
[FROM THE PORTRAIT GALLERY OF EMINENT MEN AND WOMEN.] 



THE 



LIFE OF LA FAYETTE 



THE KNIGHT OF JJBERTY IN TWO WOULDS AND 
TWO CENTUKIES. 



BY 



LYDIA HOYT FAKMER. 

AUTHOR OF "THE BOYS' BOOK OF FAMOUS RULERS," " GIRLS' BOOK 

OF FAMOUS QUEENS," "A STORY BOOK OP SCIENCE," "THE 

PRINCE OF THE FLAMING STAR," ETC. 




NEW YOEK: 

THOMAS Y. CROWELL cSc CO., 

13 AsTOR Place. 






Copyrifiht, 
By Thomas Y. Orowell & Co. 

1888. 



TtPOGRAPHY by J. W. CUSHING & Co., BOSTON. 






r 



DEDICATED 



TO 



JH2 J^ustianti. 



PREFACE. 



rriHE life of the General Marquis de La Fayette 

-^ is intimately connected with the two most 

important epochs in the history of both France 

and America. His name binds together these 

nations by indissoluble bonds of sympathy ; and 

Washington and La Fayette will forever be found 

side by side in the annals of history. 

As a large portion of the material presented in 

this volume has been gathered from French works 

never before translated and which are now out of 

print, and also from original files of newspapers, 

and various manuscripts written by members of 

the La Fayette family, a more complete life of 

General La Fayette is here offered than has 

before appeared, either in this country or in 

Europe. 

THE AUTHOR. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER 



PAGE 



I. La Fayette's Early Life . , 1 

— ^-I. His Arrival in America. — Battle of Bran- 
dy-wine 18 

' — rn. Scenes of the American Revolution ... 58 
-*!¥. La Fayette's Diplomatic Measures in France 

AND Spain, in Behalf of America .... 99 
V. La Fayette elected a Member of the Nota- 
bles • 127 

VI. La Fayette's Efforts in Defence of King 

AND Constitution 158 

VII. ViRGiNiE La Fayette's Account of her 

Father's and Mother's Imprisonment . . 191 
VIII. Dreadful Scenes of the French Revolution 216 
IX. La Fayette liberated from the Prison at 

Olmutz 258 

X. La Fayette presented to the Premier Con- 
sul 288 

— XI. La Fayette's Visit to America 315 

XII. Enthusiastic Reception of the Marquis in 

THE United States 339 

XIII. La Fayette elected to the Chamber of 

Deputies 365 

XIV. Revolution of 1830 397 

XV. La Fayette's Character and Family Life 427 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

Portrait of La Fayette Frontispiece 

Birthplace of La Fayette 6 

Baron de Kalb 10 

Louis XVI 12 

Marie Antoinette 14 

Washington 24 

Benjamin Franklin 26 

Count de Rochambeau 74 

Lord Cornwallis 82 

Count de Grasse 92 

La Fayette's Room at Moi nt Vernon 110 

Frederick II 114 

Assembly of the Notables 132 

" Go and tell your master " 140 

The Crowd arm Themselves at the Invalides .... 142 

View of the Bastile 144 

The Crowd Shout, " To Versailles ! " . 148 

The King comes to the Hotel de Ville 158 

Key of the Bastile 160 

Festival in the Champs de Mars 164 

The King accepting the Constitution 172 

The Mob invade the Tuileries 180 

Princess Elizabeth 182 

Frederick William II., King of Prussia 186 

Francis I., Emperor of Austria , 186 



X LI8T OF ILLUS'MRATIONS. 

PAGE 

Return of the Royal Family to Pakis . . . c » » . 194 

Before the Revolutionary Tribunal . , » „ .. . . . 210 

Sentenced to the Guillotine 220 

Madame de Stael 240 

Execution of Louis XVI 250 

Alexander Hamilton 262 

Directeur Sieyes 266 

Napoleon 268 

Joseph Bonaparte , 292 

Charles James Fox 296 

General Jackson 332 

Bust of La Fayette 380 

Louis Philippe 398 

Entrance to Chateau La Grange 431 

Chateau La Grange 433 

Corporal of the Prison at Olmutz 436 

Vase presented by Midshipmen of the "Brandywine" . 437 

Cane presented by Commodore Taylor 438 

Clock belonging to La Fayette 438 

Seals belonging to La Fayette 439 

Roman Standard presented by City of Lyons .... 439 

Medal presented by Electors of Meaux ...... 440 

Ring given by Grandson of Washington 440 

Washington's Decoration of the Cincinnati 441 

Pin presented by Franklin's Granddaughter .... 442 

Ring containing Hair and Portrait of Jeremy Bentham . 442 

Crystal Box containing Mementos of Riego 442 

Round Wooden Box 443 

Sword presented by Ninth Regiment Artillery . . . 444 

Sword presented by Congress 445 

Vase presented by the National Guard 449 

La Fayette's Death Chamber 470 

La Fayette's Tomb 472 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 



3>»^C 



CHAPTER I. 

Liberty's Knight — V Homme des Deux Mondes — Ancestry of La 
Fayette — His Birth and Early Years — Youthful Enthusiasm — 
College Life — Introduction to the French Court — Vast Inheri- 
tance — A Page to the Queen — Member of the Mousqiietaires 
du Roi — Promoted a Commissioned Officer — Personal Appear- 
ance — Early Marriage — His Wife's Family — Stationed at Metz 

— News of the American Revolution — Influence on La Fayette — 
His Resolve — Opposition — Visit to London — Return to Paris 

— Secret Preparations — Sovereign Displeasure — Hasty Flight 

— Aboard the Victor)/ — Letters to his Wife. 

" The love of liberty with life is given, 
And life itself the inferior gift of Heaven." — Dryden. 

" For Freedom's battle once begun, 
Bequeath'd by bleeding sire to son, 
Though baffled oft, is ever Avon." — Byron. 

LA FAYETTE was not only the Knight of Liberty 
in two worlds and in two centuries, but was also 
the champion of law and order. Other men have fought 
for freedom ; but few men in history have so truly and 
broadly comprehended the indissoluble tie which must 
ever bind liberty to law, if the shackles of oppression 
be unloosed, and the equal rights of men become the 
watchwords of national peace and prosperity. 



2 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

The battle of Miiiden, in 1758, Avas fought, and a young 
and valiant French marquis saeritieed his life upon that 
battle-field. He was the lirst Marquis de La Fayette. 
At that time his son, Marie- Jean-Paul-Eoeh- Yves-Gilbert 
de Motier La Fayette, lay in his cradle, an infant of 
seven months old. The warlike mantle of the father 
fell upon the son. But gentler spirits than Stem War 
hovered over his pillow. Gleaming-eyed Liberty said, 
"I will make him my champion"; and mild-eyed Law 
bent over the cradle and smoothed the baby brow, 
murmuring. "I will make him love peace and order." 
Thus War, Liberty, and Law christened the fatherless 
child, and to the long list of titled names which already 
Aveighted his infant forehead, they added yet another, 
of nobler rank than all; for they placed there, in let- 
ters of gioAving light, the unriA^alled title, Knight of 
Liberty. 

The name of La Fayette Avas distinguished as far back 
as the fourteenth century. '' The founder of the family 
AA^as a Marshal de La Fayette, Avho defeated the English 
at the battle of Bauge shortly before the time of Jeanne 
d'Arc, — a success which raised the hopes of the Dauphin, 
AA^ho afterAA^ards recovered the French throne. 

" In the seventeenth century tAvo noble and illustrious 
Avomen bore the ancient name. One of these ladies Avas 
Louise de La Fayette, maid of honor to Queen Anne of 
Austria, whose son, Louis XIII. , fell so deeply in loA^e 
with the young lady that he proposed to establish her 
in his country house at Versailles, a royal shooting-box 
built before the time of the great chateau. Alarmed at 
the infatuation of the king, and seeing no Avay of resist- 
ing the royal commands saA^e by devoting herself to 
Heaven, Louise de La Fayette retired to the CouA^ent 
of the Visitation, and at once took the voavs. She died 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 3 

at the age of fifty, as Mere Angeliqite^ abbess of Chaillot, 
a convent she had founded. 

"Her brother, Count La Fayette, married, in 1655, 
Marie Madeline Pioche de hi Vergne, an intimate friend 
of Madame de Sevigne, and authoress of the 'Princesse 
de Cleves,' a classical romance of the old school, still read 
by lovers of the literature of the Renaissance. 

" The wife of the renowned General La Fayette, whom 
he married in 1774, when he was sixteen and she a year 
younger, was Marie Adrienne Frangoise, second daughter 
of the Duke d'Ayen, and granddaughter of Mareschal de 
Noailles. After three years of happy married life, he 
left her shortly before the birth of their second child, to 
hasten to the aid of the American colonies. The infant 
born during her father's absence became Madame Charles 
de Lat our-Maubourg. ' ' 

In 1881, in the Paris Figaro appeared the following 
account of the descendants of General La Fayette : "His 
only son, George Washington La Fayette, married, in 
1802, Mademoiselle Desture de Thacy, and had five chil- 
dren. The eldest, Oscar, died in 1881. His wife, a rela- 
tive of M. de Pusy, one of the prisoners at Olmiitz, had 
died after one year of married life, and he never married 
again. The second son, Edmond, the present head of 
the house, is now sixty-two, and a bachelor. 

" The daughters are Madame Adolphe Perier (her hus- 
band was a nephew of C'asimir P6rier), Madame Bureaux 
de Pusy, and Madame Gustave de Beaumont. Mesdames 
Pusy and Beaumont are still living. The former has a 
son, an ofiicer of merit, and two daughters. M. Paul de 
Beaumont, son of Madame Gustave de Beaumont, was a 
cabinet minister under M. Daufaure. Madame Perier 
left daughters, one of whom married M. de Sahune. 

"• Madame Charles de Latour-Maubour"-, who was born 



4 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

whilst her father, G-eneral La Fayette, was serving in 
America, had two daughters, Madame de Brigode and 
Madame de Perron. General Perron, husband of the 
latter lady, was a Piedmontese, and a president of the 
Council oif Ministers in Piedmont. He was killed at 
the battle of Novara. 

"La Fayette's other daughter, Madame de Lasteyrie, 
was named Virginie. She was the comfort and staff of 
her father's age. She married, in 1800, the Marquis 
Louis de Lasteyrie, who served with the army for some 
years, but being wounded, retired to the Chateau of La 
Grange, between Fontainbleau and Paris, — a place which 
became the happy home of the entire La Fayette family. 
There lived the general and the family of Charles de 
Latour-Maubourg ; and thither, too, after a time, came 
George Washington La Fayette and his children. 

"The Marquis de Lasteyrie, who died before General 
La Fayette, left four children. Of these are Madame 
Charles de Pemusat, whose husband is the son of the 
distinguished lady whose ' Memoirs ' have been recently 
given to the world ; and Madame de Corcelle, wife of a 
former ambassador to Rome. M. Jules de Lasteyrie, 
the only son, was made a senator. He married a lady 
of the English branch of the House of Eohan-Chabot. 
His only son holds an office at present at Abbeville. 
The third and youngest daughter of the Marquis de 
Lasteyrie married M. d'Assailly, and is mother of two 
sons: one, councillor-general of the Deux-Sevres ; the 
other, a captain of Chasseurs. 

" The connections of the La Fayette family are distin- 
guished and numerous. Through the De Grammonts, 
they are allied to the Count de Merode, senator from 
the Department of the Doubs ; to his brother, who held 
high office under Pius IX.; and to Anna, Countess of 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 5 

Montalembert. The family of Segnr is also related to 
the La Fayette family." 

Beranger called La Fayette ' ' L' Homme cles deux 
mondes'' (the man of two worlds), and he might also 
have added, the man of two centuries. Europe and 
America have both united to do him homage, and the 
glorious independence which he aided in securing in 
one century, he lived to behold in the next, realizing 
greater permanency and prosperity than even his fond- 
est dreams had dared to hope for. 

The American Republic held him in grateful remem- 
brance as a Revolutionary Hero ; while France venerated 
his memory as the Friend and Protector of the People. 
High on the lists of chivalry the name of La Fayette 
glows with undying lustre ; but as the defender of the 
oppressed and the protector of the weak, he is the Peo- 
ple's Hero. 

While his remains were being carried to the tomb, sur- 
rounded by an escort of the National Guard, a poor man, 
with tattered clothing and tottering steps, endeavored to 
press his way through the crowd and place himself in the 
funeral procession directly behind the bier. One of the 
Guard, obstructing his passage, said to him, " You see that 
none but the family are admitted here." 

"We all belong to his family," replied the old man, 
with a voice choked Avith emotion and eyes full of tears; 
"we all belong to his family, for he loved us all as his 
children." 

Immediately the rauKs of the National Guard fell rev- 
erently backward, and a way was quickly opened for the 
old peasant, and he walked to the cemetery directly 
behind the remains of him whose self-sacrificing devo- 
tion had won for him this beautiful testimony of love 
and honor ; and in the name of humanity and brotherly 



THE LIFE OF RA FAYETTE, 

kindness, this old man — unconsciously — laid upon the 
tomb of La Fayette the most precious memorial whieli 
could be offered to his memory. 

In the Chateau of Chavaniac, in the province of 
Auvergne, the Marquis de La Fayette was l)orn and 
passed the first seven or eight years of his life. He 
was so frail a child that for some years the indications 
were strong that he would enjoy only a brief career. 
Being fatherless, his education was the care of his 
mother, who faithfully performed her sacred duties. 

A faint tinge of health began gradually to glow in his 
cheeks, his attenuated frame showed some signs of vigor, 
and the presage of an early death became less foreboding. 
While his body had been so frail, however, his mind had 
made rapid progress. 

To a friend he said in after years : " You ask me at 
what period I first experienced \\\j ardent love for liberty 
and glorj^ I recollect no time of life anterior to my enthu- 
siasm for anecdotes of glorious deeds, and to my projects 
of travelling over the world to acquire fame. At eight 
years of age my heart beat when I heard of a wolf 
that had done some injury, and caused still more alarm 
in our neighborhood, and the hope of meeting it Avas 
the object of all my walks. When I arrived at college, 
nothing ever interrupted my studies except my ardent 
wish to study without restraint. I never deserved to be 
chastised, but, in spite of my usual gentleness, it Avould 
have been dangerous to attempt to do so. I recollect with 
pleasure that, when I was to describe in rhetoric a perfect 
courser, I sacrificed the hope of obtaining a prize, and 
described the one which, on perceiving the whip, threw 
his rider. 

'' Eepublican anecdotes always delighted me, and when 
my new connections wished to obtain for me a place at 




CHATEAU OF CHAVANIAC. — LAFAYETTE S BIRTHPLACE. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 7 

court, I did not hesitate displeasing tlieni to preserve my 
independence." 

At the age of twelve years La Fayette was entered at 
the college of Louis le Grand, in Paris, where he zealously 
pursued his studies. In Latin and Greek classics he be- 
came especially proficient. Owing to his high rank his 
literary pursuits were subject to frequent interruptions, 
for he early gained the attention of royalty, and the gay 
French court was very alluring to a youth passionately 
fond of brilliant society. However, his love for study 
and his enthusiasm for the military calling prevented his 
becoming a courtier. By the death of his mother in 1770, 
and of his grandfather a short time after, he became 
possessed of great wealth, which, being entirely at his 
own control, surrounded him with a crowd of fawning 
flatterers. At the age of fifteen he became a page to 
Queen Marie Antoinette, and was enrolled a member of 
the Mousquetaires du Roi^ the body-guard of the king, 
which was composed solely of the descendants of the 
most highly titled families in France. Through the 
influence of the queen, he was promoted to the rank of 
a commissioned officer in this corps. Speaking of which, 
he said "that his military services only interrupted his 
studies on review days." 

At the age of sixteen La Fayette was married to the 
Comtesse de Noailles, daughter of the Duke d'Ayen. 
Madame de La Fayette herself gives the following ac- 
count of her somewhat strange wooing. 

" I was scarcely twelve years old, when M. de La Fay- 
ette was proposed to my mother for one of us. He him- 
self was only fourteen. His extreme youth, no parents 
to guide him, — having lost all his near relatives, and hav- 
ing no one in whom he could repose confidence, — a large 
fortune already in his possession, which my mother looked 



8 THE LIFE OF TTA FAYETTE, 

upon as a dangerous gift — all these considerations made 
her at first refuse him, notwithstanding the good opinion 
she had acquired of his personal qualities. She persisted 
several months in her refusal ; but my father was not dis- 
couraged, and as one of his friends observed to him that 
my mother had gone too far ever to change her mind, he 
did justice to her straightforwardness in the midst of his 
anger against her, 'You do not know Madame d'Ayen,' 
he said; 'however far she may have gone, you will see 
that she will give way like a child if you prove to her 
that she is in the wrong ; but, on the other hand, she will 
never yield if she does not see her mistake.' 

''Accordingly, when she was told that her daughter 
would not leave her during the first years of her mar- 
riage, and that it would only be celebrated at the end of 
two years, after M. de La Eayette had finished his edu- 
cation, she accepted him whom she cherished ever after 
as the most tenderly beloved son, whom she valued from 
the first moment that she became acquainted with him, 
and who alone could have sustained the strength of my 
heart after having lost her. 

" It was some time after my mother's consent that I 
was spoken to of M. de La Fayette, towards whom I was 
already attracted by feeble forerunners of that deep and 
tender affection which every day has united us more and 
more in the midst of all the vicissitudes of this life, in 
the midst of the blessings and misfortunes which have 
filled it for the last twenty-four years. 

" With what pleasures I learned that, for more than a 
year, my mother had looked upon him and loved him as 
a son ! She told me all the good she had heard with 
regard to him, all she thought of him herself, and I saw 
that he already felt for hgr that filial affection which 
was to l)e the blessing of my life. She tried to calm 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 9 

my poor weak brain, wliicli was over-excited by the im- 
portance of the coming event. She taught me to pray — 
she prayed herself — for the blessings of Heaven on my 
future happiness. As I had the happiness of remain- 
ing with her, my only feelings were those of deep emo- 
tion. I was then fourteen and a half." 

La Fayette's wife brought to him a fortune, which, to- 
gether with his own inheritance, gave him a yearly reve- 
nue of ^37,500. 

The young marquis is thus described a.t this time : 
" He was then a handsome young man, of commanding 
figure and pleasing features, notwithstanding his deep 
red hair. His forehead, though receding, was fine ; his 
eyes clear hazel, and his mouth and chin delicately 
formed, exhibiting beauty rather than strength. The 
expression of his countenance was strongly indicative of 
a generous and gallant spirit, with an air of conscious 
greatness. 

" His manners were frank and amiable, his movements 
light and graceful. Formed, both by nature and educa- 
tion, to be the ornament of a court, and already distin- 
guished by his varied and attractive qualities in the 
circle of his noble acquaintance, his free principles 
were neither withered by the sunshine of royalty, nor 
weakened by flattery and temptation. He dressed in a 
costume then worn by a gentleman who affected not the 
extreme of fashion, nor the reverse. His bearing was 
elegant, full of vivacity, and his conversational powers 
were of a high order, and their activity varied much 
with his moods, sometimes mild and winning, and again 
ardent and enthusiastic." 

In the summer of 1776 La Fayette, as an oflicer of the 
French army, was stationed on military duty in the cita- 
del of Metz. At this time he was little over eighteen 



10 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

years of age. Tlirougli the Duke of Gloucester, a 
brother of the king of England, La Fayette first learned 
of the struggles in America. The Duke of Gloucester 
had been exiled from the court of Great Britain on ac- 
count of his impolitic marriage, and was then at Metz. 
The duke was constantly receiving reports of the Ameri- 
can struggle for independence, and he openly described 
the plans of the British ministry to crush this uprising 
of the colonists. La Fayette's fiery ardor in the cause 
of liberty was quickened at the news of the oppressed 
Americans, fighting with such vast odds against them, 
bravely defying the most powerful nation on the globe. 

La Fayette immediately resigned his position at Metz, 
and hastened to Paris, determined to devote his life and 
fortune to the aid of the courageous band of patriots 
who had just declared their independence. 

Knowing the opposition he would meet from family, 
friends, and the government, he made his preparations 
with the greatest secrecy, not even revealing his inten- 
tions to his wife, to whom he was most devoted. His 
heaven-born principles of liberty could no longer be kept 
in check by inaction, and he was ready to sacrifice every 
personal interest in life to the cause of oppressed hu- 
manity. 

After having partially completed his arrangements. La 
Fayette disclosed his scheme to his relative the Count 
de Broglie. The count was bitterly opposed to the un- 
dertaking, and pictured to La Fayette all the difficulties 
and dangers of the enterprise. " Your uncle perished in 
the wars in Italy," said he ; " your father fell in the bat- 
tle of Minden ; and now I will not be accessory to the 
ruin of the only remaining branch of the family." 

But nothing could quencli the ardor of the dauntless 
La Favette. He found in the Baron de Kalb a kindred 




,.<Ji^c 




THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 11 

sympathy, and through the baron, the Marquis de La 
Fayette was introduced to Mr. Sihas Deane, who had 
been sent by the American Congress to negotiate with 
the French government. La Fayette made known to 
Mr. Deane his generous desire to offer his personal ser- 
vices in the American war. Whereupon Mr. Deane gave 
to him the following paper : — 

" The desire which the Marquis de La Fayette shows 
of serving among the troops of the United States of 
North America, and the interest which he takes in the 
justice of their cause, makes him wish to distinguish 
himself in this war, and to render himself as useful as 
he possibly can. But not thinking that he can obtain 
leave of his family to pass the seas and to serve in a 
foreign country till he can go as a general officer, I have 
thought that I could not better serve my country and 
those who have entrusted me, than by granting to him, 
in the name of the very honorable Congress, the rank of 
major-general, which I beg the states to confirm and 
ratify to him, and to deliver him the commission to hold 
and take rank from this day with the general officers of 
the same degree. 

"His high birth, his alliances, the great dignities 
which his family hold at this court, his considerable 
estates in this realm, his personal m^rit, his reputation, 
his disinterestedness, and above all, his zeal for the lib- 
erty of our provinces, are such as to induce me alone to 
promise him the rank of major-general in the name of 
the United States. In witness of which I have signed 
these presents this 7th day of December, 1776. 

"Silas Deane." 

" The secrecy," says La Fayette, " with which this 
negotiation and my preparations were made, api)ears 



12 THE LIFE OF IM FAYETTE, 

almost a miracle ; family, friends, ministers, French 
spies, and English spies, all were kept completely in the 
dark as to my intentions." 

But just at this time news of disastrous defeats in 
the Revolutionary army reached France. The bells of 
London rang out joyful peals at this welcome intelli- 
gence ; but many sympathizing hearts in Paris saddened 
at this dire misfortune to the little band fighting for 
their rightful independence. The court of A^ersailles 
had not yet openly espoused the American cause, and 
now Louis XYI. and others, friendly to the Americans, 
waited for more encouraging prospects before lending 
their aid. But not so the liberty-loving La Faj'ette. 
He was never so great as when in the midst of the most 
stupendous difficulties, and he was never so true and 
faithful and staunch in his patriotic principles, as when 
the cause to which he was attached hung trembling l^e- 
twixt victory and defeat. Discouragements but nerved 
him to new ardor ; obstacles but strengthened his deter- 
mination to overcome every barrier in the way of his suc- 
cessful progress. His was truly a soul and nature most 
eminently fitted for the important part he was called 
upon to take in the struggle for liberty and freedom. 

At this time affairs in the new world were in a most 
desperate condition. The battle of Brooklyn had been 
fought, resulting in the total rout of the continental 
forces, and the evacuation of Long Island. Xew York, 
after an heroic resistance, had been given up to the 
British. General Howe was master of Forts Washing- 
ton and Lee. General Washington, with the remnants of 
the army, Avith tattered uniforms and scanty food, was 
retreating before the foe. The country was in despair. 
Dark indeed were the clouds Avhich threw their shadows 
over sorrowful homes and the suffering patriots of the 
struggling nation. 




LOUIS XVI. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 13 

Even the American eoniniissioners at ]*aris were para- 
lyzed by this dreadful blow. They dared not urge the 
French further in the behalf of their stricken country, 
Avhicli seemed doomed to defeat. They even counselled 
La Fayette to abandon his project of enlisting in their 
cause, representing to him that their affairs were now so 
desperate that they could not offer him a passage to 
America, nor any assurance of success should he venture 
to go. But La Fayette's love of liberty was not de- 
pendent upon success or defeat. His principles Avere as 
unflinching in disaster as when crowned with victory; 
and to La Fayette's courage America in a large measure 
owes her ultimate success. Study the history of those 
times, and then try to answer the question, What 
would have been the result of the American E-evolution, 
without the aid of La Fayette ? 

To the discouraged commissioners, La Fayette made 
this noble reply : — 

" I thank you for your frankness, but now is precisely 
the moment to serve your cause ; the more people are 
discouraged, the greater utility will result from my de- 
])arture. Until now you have only seen my ardor in 
your cause, but that may not prove at present wholly 
useless. If you cannot furnish me with a vessel, I will 
})urchase one and freight it at my own expense, to con- 
vey your despatches and my person to the shores of 
America." 

With unflagging labor La Fayette now occupied him- 
self in carrying out his promised plan. From his own 
estates he raised the money necessary for the expedition, 
and prepared to purchase and equip a vessel. King Louis, 
owing to the recent reverses in America, began to dis- 
trust the expediency of an open alliance. La Fayette, 
being suspected of favoring the American cause, was 



14 THE LIFE OF BA FAYETTE, 

constantly watched by Frencli and English spies. To 
escape the knowledge of his family and the royal sur- 
veillance, the ship was purchased through La Fayette's 
friend, Mr. Duboismartin, w^ho w^armly sympathized with 
his liberal principles. In the midst of these prepara- 
tions La Fayette was sent by the French government 
on a diplomatic mission to London. Lest lie should 
excite suspicion by refusal, La Fayette departed for Eng- 
land with his associate, the Prince de Poix. On reaching 
London, it was a significant fact that before La Fayette 
paid his respects to the British court, he sought an in- 
terview with Bancroft, the American. 

La Fayette Avas received at the English court with 
every mark of distinguished honor, but court flatteries 
were little now to his taste. He was yearning to return 
to Paris, to continue his })reparations for his chivalrous 
project. 

"At the end of three weeks," he writes, "when it 
became necessary for me to return home, while refusing 
to accompany my uncle, the ambassador, to court, I con- 
fided to him my strong desire to take a trip to Paris. 
He suggested that he should say that I was ill during 
my absence. I should not have made use of this strata- 
gem myself, but did not object to his doing so." 

Hastening back to Paris, he continued his secret prep- 
arations. Without making known his return to any of 
his friends, with the exception of those interested in 
his plans, La Fayette set out for Bordeaux, where a 
ship was being equipped for him. But information re- 
garding his mysterious manoeuvres was now communi- 
cated to the court of Versailles, and led to an order for his 
arrest. La Fayette, being warned, departed to Passage, 
a Spanish port, intending to embark for America from 
there. He now openly avoAved his intentions, and de- 




MARIE ANTOINETTE. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 15 

clared that notliing should induce him to relinquish his 
plans. 

But now his firmness was put to the severest test. 
Letters arrived from his family, containing the bitterest 
reproaches. He was even accused of want of parental 
care and gross neglect of his wife and home. This was 
indeed hard to bear. La Fayette was deeply in love 
with his winsome and affectionate wife. But with an 
unselhshness which amounted to the sublimity of hero- 
ism, his young wife restrained her tears, lest he should 
be blamed, and bravely determined to bear the parting 
uncomplainingly. Such a heroine as she afterwards 
proved herself to be made her a truly worthy companion 
for her hero-husband. 

Letters came, also, under kingly authority, forbidding 
his embarkation for America, threatening severe dis- 
pleasure in case of disobedience. Sovereign displeasure. 
La Fayette was well aware, meant liability to the confis- 
cation of all his property, and public disgrace. Feign- 
ing obedience. La Fayette returned to Bordeaux, and 
wrote to the ministry, requesting permission to carry out 
his plans, representing the benefits which France would 
derive by the wresting of this coveted land from proud 
England. But the king Avas not prepared to excite the 
wrath of his powerful neighbor, and no reply was sent 
directly to La Fayette, though he was made to under- 
stand, through friends, that his petition had been refused. 

He shortly afterwards received orders to proceed to 
Marseilles, and join himself to the Duke d'Ayen, who 
was going into Italy. La Fayette now determined to 
brave all hazards. He accordingly departed ostensibly 
for Marseilles, but soon changed his route and went 
directly to Passage, and there embarked on his gallant 
ship Victory^ and unfurled the sails, pointing the prow 



16 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

of Ms vessel towards the land of liberty. As soon as it 
was ascertained that La Fayette had gone, despatches 
were sent to arrest him at the West Indies. But La 
Fayette, suspecting this, ordered his captain to steer 
directly for America. 

His wearisome voyage lasted for two months. Sea- 
sickness added its discomforts to the anxieties, regrets, 
and aspiring longings which made keen warfare in his 
saddened heart. Would his wife forgive him for this 
seeming desertion ? Would his country renounce him ? 
Would his unselfish and magnanimous sacrifice avail in 
the cause of liberty, which was the ruling passion of his 
life? Weak with sickness and tempest-tossed, he ad- 
dressed to his wife these pathetic letters : — 

"On board the Victory, May 30, 1777. 

"... How many fears and anxieties enhance the keen 
anguish I feel at being separated from all that I love 
most fondly in the world ! How have you borne my 
second departure ? Have you loved me less ? Have you 
pardoned me ? Have you reflected that, at all events, I 
must equally have been parted from you — wandering 
about in Italy, dragging on an inglorious life, surrounded 
by the persons most opposed to my projects and to my 
manner of thinking ? All these reflections did not pre- 
vent me from experiencing the most bitter grief when 
the moment arrived for quitting my native shores. Your 
sorrow, and that of my friends, all rushed upon my 
thoughts ; and my heart was torn by a thousand j)ain- 
ful feelings. I could not, at that instant, find any excuse 
for my own conduct. If you could know all that I have 
suffered, and the melancholy days that I have ]3assed 
while thus flying from»*all that I love best in the world ! 
Must I join to this afiiiction the grief of hearing that 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 17 

you do not pardon me ? I should, in truth, my love, be 
too unhai^py." 

Again he writes : — 

"On board the Victory, June 7. 

" I am still floating upon this dreary plain, the most 
wearisome of all human habitations. To console myself 
a little I think of you and of my friends. I think of the 
pleasure of seeing you again. How delightful will be 
the moment of my arrival ! I shall hasten to surprise 
and embrace you. I shall, perhaps, find you with your 
children. To think, only, of that happy moment is an 
inexpressible pleasure to me — do not fancy that it is 
distant ; although the time of my absence will appear, 
I confess, very long to me, yet we shall meet sooner than 
you can expect. While defending the liberty which I 
adore, I shall enjoy perfect freedom myself; I but offer 
my services to that interesting Eepublic from motives of 
the purest kind, unmixed with ambition or private views ; 
her happiness and my glory are my only incentives to 
the task. I hope, that for my sake, you will become a 
good American, for that feeling is worthy of every noble 
heart. The happiness of America is intimately con- 
nected with the happiness of all mankind. She will 
become the safe and respected asylum of virtue, integ- 
rity, toleration, equality, and tranquil happiness." 



18 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



CHAPTER 11. 

Arrival in America — Letter to his Wife from Charleston — La 
Fayette's First Impressions of America : — Letter from Peters- 
burg — Arrival in Philadelphia — Chilling Reception by Con- 
gress — La Fayette's Magnanimous Offer — Resolution passed 
by Congress — The First Meeting between Liberty's Knight and 
the "Man of the Age" — Washington's Kindly Reception of the 
Young Marquis — Letter from Franklin to Washington regard- 
ing La Fayette — Battle of Brandy wine — La Fayette wounded 

— Letter to his Wife from Philadelphia — La Fayette in the Care 
of the Moravian Society — Letter to his Wife — La Fayette's 
Home Life described by his Daughter Virginie — La Fayette 
again in the Field — The Battle of Gloucester — Congress com- 
missions the Marquis to the Command of a Division — Winter 
Quarters at Valley Forge — Letter from La Fayette to his 
Father-in-law, the Duke d'Ayen — His Impressions regarding 
American Affairs — A Treacherous Intrigue against Washington 

— La Fayette's Manly Letter to him — Washington's Noble Re- 
ply — The New Board of War — La Fayette appointed to the 
Command of the Expedition into Canada — His Letter to Wash- 
ington from Albany — Expedition to Canada abandoned — La 
Fayette's Return to Valley Forge — Sir William Howe outwitted 
by the Young Marquis — La Fayette's Influence in the Army — 
Death of La Fayette's Little Daughter — His Touching Letter to 
his Wife. 

" When Freedom from her mountain height 
Unfurled her standard to the air, 
She tore the azure robe of night 

And set the stars of glory there." — Drake. 

ON^ the 14th of June, 1777, La Fayette landed at 
Winyau Bay, about sixty miles northeast from 
Charleston. Nature had clothed herself in her loveliest 
garb to Avelcome the knight of liberty who had sacri- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 19 

ficed wealth and luxury and the gay life of courts, to 
unsheathe his sword in this new land in defence of 
freedom. 

It was midnight under the soft June skies. The stars 
glowed in benediction, and the moon shed a calm radi- 
ance over the scene. As the canoe conveyed the travel- 
lers up the picturesque bay, the wooded land beyond 
seemed to stretch out its leafy hands of welcome, and 
the air was perfumed with the delicious fragrance of 
innumerable flowers. Such was America's greeting to 
her brave defender. 

Of this, let La Fayette's own letters speak. Back to 
the love of his heart, the wife whose constant devotion 
was his guiding star, fly quickly his thoughts, on the 
swift wings of affection, and he hastens to pen these 
lines : — 

"June 19, 

"I landed at Charleston, after having sailed for sev- 
eral days along a coast swarming with hostile vessels. 
On my arrival here every one told me that my ship 
would undoubtedly be taken, because two English frig- 
ates had blockaded the harbor. I even sent, both by 
land and by sea, orders to the captain to put the men on 
shore, and burn the vessels, if he had still the power 
of doing so. Eh bien ! by a most extraordinary piece 
of good fortune, a sudden gale of wind having blown 
away the frigates for a short time, my vessel arrived at 
noonday, without having encountered friend or foe. 
At Charleston I have met General Howe, a general 
oflicer now engaged in service. The governor of the 
state is expected this evening from the country. All 
the persons with whom I wished to be acquainted have 
shown me the greatest attention and politeness — not 
European politeness merely. I can only feel gratitude 



20 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

for the reception tendered me, altliough I have not 
yet thonght proper to enter into any details respecting 
my future pros^^ects and arrangements. I wish to see 
the Congress first. I hope to set out in two days for 
Philadelphia, which is a land journey of more than two 
hundred and fifty leagues. We shall divide into small 
parties. I have already purchased horses and light car- 
riages for this purpose. 

" I shall now speak to you, my love, about the country 
and its inhabitants, who are as agreeable as my enthu- 
siasm led me to imagine. Simplicity of manner, kind- 
ness of heart, love of country and of liberty, and a 
delightful state of equality are universal. The richest 
and the poorest men are completely on a level; and, 
although there are some immense fortunes in this coun- 
try, I may challenge any one to point out the slightest 
difference in their respective manner toward each other. 
I first saw and judged of a country life at Major Huger's 
house. I am at present in this city, where I notice a 
resemblance to English customs, except that I find more 
simplicity here than in England. 

" Charleston is one of the best built, handsomest) and 
most agreeable cities that T have ever seen. The Ameri- 
can women are very pretty, and have great simplicity of 
character. The extreme neatness of their appearance is 
truly delightful. Cleanliness is everywhere even more 
studiously regarded here than in England. AVhat gave 
me most pleasure is to see how completely the citizens 
are all brethren of one family. In America there appear 
to be none poor, and none even who can be called peasants. 
Each citizen has some property, and all citizens have the 
same rights as the richest individual or landed proprie- 
tor in the country. Th« inns are very different from 
those in Europe ; the host and hostess sit at table with 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 21 

you, and do the honors of a comfortable meal, and when 
you depart you pay your bill without being obliged to 
fee attendants. If you dislike going to inns, you always 
find country houses, in which you will be received as a 
good American, with the same attention that you expect 
to find at a friend's house in Europe. 

" My own reception has been peculiarly agreea.ble. 
To have been merely my travelling companion suffices 
to secure the kindest welcome. I have just passed 
five hours at a large dinner, given in compliment to 
me by an individual of this town. Generals Howe and 
Moultrie, and several officers of my suite, were pres- 
ent. We drank each other's health, and endeavored to 
talk English, which I am beginning to speak a little. I 
shall pay a visit to-morrow, with these gentlemen, to the 
governor of the state, and make the last arrangements 
for my departure. The next day the commanding officer 
here will take me to see the town and its environs, and I 
shall then set out to join the army. 

" From the agreeable life I lead in this country, from 
the sympathy which makes me feel as much at ease with 
the inhabitants as if I had known them twenty years, 
the similarity between their manner of thinking and my 
own, my love of glory and liberty, you might imagine 
that I am very happy ; but you are not with me, my 
dearest love ; my friends are not with me ; and there is 
no happiness for me when far away from you and them. 
I often ask you if you still love, but I put that ques- 
tion still more often to myself, and my heart ever 
answers yes. I trust that my heart does not deceive 
me. I am inexpressibly anxious to hear from you, and 
hope to find some letters at Philadelphia. My only fear 
is lest the privateer which was to bring them to me may 
have been captured on her way. Although I can easily 



22 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

imagine that I have excited the special displeasure of 
the English, by taking the liberty of coming hither in 
spite of them and landing before their very face, yet I 
must confess that we shall be even more than on a par if 
they succeed in catching that vessel, the object of my 
fondest hopes, by which I am expecting to receive your 
letters. 

"I entreat you to send me both long and frequent let- 
ters. You are not sufficiently conscious of the joy with 
which I shall receive them. Embrace, most tenderly, 
my Henri ette ; may I add, embrace our children ! The 
father of those poor children is a wanderer, but he is, 
nevertheless, a good, honest man, a good father, warmly 
attached to his family, and a good husband also, for he 
loves his wife most tenderly. The night is far advanced, 
the heat intense, and I am devoured by mosquitoes ; but 
the best countries, as you perceive, have their inconven- 
iences. Adieu, my love, adieu." 

Again La Fayette writes to his wife from Petersburg, 
Va., July 17, 1777 : — 

"I am now eight days' journey from Philadelphia, in 
the beautiful state of Virginia. All fatigue is over, and 
I fear that my martial labors will be very light if it be 
true that General Howe has left New York, to go I know 
not whither. But all the accounts I receive are so uncer- 
tain that I cannot form any fixed opinion until I reach 
my destination. 

"You must have learned the particulars of the be- 
ginning of my journey. You know that I set out in a 
brilliant manner, in a carriage, and I must now tell you 
that we are all on horseback, — having broken the car- 
riage according to my usual praiseworthy custom, — and 
I expect soon to write to you that we have arrived on foot. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 23 

The journey is somewhat fatiguing; but, although sev- 
eral of my comrades have suffered a great deal, I have 
scarcely, myself, been conscious of fatigue. The captain, 
who takes charge of this letter, will perhaps pay you a 
visit. I beg you, in that case, to receive him with great 
kindness. 

" The farther I advance to the north, the better pleased 
I am with the country and its inhabitants. There is no 
attention or kindness that I do not receive, although 
many scarcely know who I am. But I will write all this 
to you more in detail from Philadelphia." 

As soon as La Fayette arrived in Philadelphia, he pre- 
sented himself before Congress, then in session. The 
moment was inauspicious. Mr. Deane had given so 
many foreigners the same promises, that Congress found 
itself in a very embarrassing situation. Many of these 
foreigners were brave men, and true, who had come to 
America with philanthropic motives, but others were 
mere adventurers, and Congress therefore received the 
young Marquis de La Payette Avith coldness and indiffer- 
ence, which he illy deserved, and which in the light of 
after events proved a mortifying mistake. La Fayette 
laid his stipulations with Mr. Deane before Congress, 
but, with surprise and chagrin, he was informed by the 
chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs that there 
was little hope that his request would be granted. 

Imagine the feelings of the noble young marquis of 
nineteen. He had sacrificed home, family, friends, and 
fortune, to give his aid to this struggling nation, and his 
immense personal sacrifices were thus insultingly thrown 
into his face. What blindness in Congress ! What heroic 
magnanimity in La Fayette ! Pride and patriotism bat- 
tled in his sensitive soul. But unselfish patriotism con- 
quered, and never does he appear more truly great than 



24 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

at this moment. Seizing a pen, he writes to Congress 
this brief but immortal note : — 

"After the sacrifices I have made, I have a right to 
exact two favors: one is, to serve at my own expense; 
the other is, to serve as a volunteer.''^ 

Astonished at such unprecedented generosity, and con- 
cious of their mistake in classing the young marquis 
with other foreigners, who were actuated by selfish 
avarice and love of adventure, Congress accordingly 
passed the following preamble and resolution on the 31st 
of July, 1777 : — 

" Whereas, the Marquis de La Fayette, out of his great zeal 
in the cause of hberty in which the United States are engaged, 
has left his family and connections, and, at his own expense, 
come over to oifer his service to the United States, without pen- 
sion or particular allowance, and is anxious to risk his life in 
our cause ; 

^^ Resolved, That his services be accepted, and that in consid- 
eration of his zeal, illustrious family and connections, he have 
the rank and commission of a Major-General in the army of the 
United States." 

La Fayette's first meeting with Washington Avas at a 
dinner party in Philadelphia, on the 1st of August. 
The commander-in-chief looked with sympathy upon the 
noble young hero, and their hearts were quickly united 
in a bond of friendship which ignored diversity of age, 
country, and experience, for they mutually recognized a 
self-sacrificing devotion to the sacred and sublime cause 
of human liberty. 

" Wlien the company were about to separate, Washing- 
ton took La Fayette aside, spoke to him very kindly, 
complimented him on the noble spirit he had shown, and 
the sacrifices he had made in favor of the American 
cause, and then told him that he should be pleased if he 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 25 

would make the headquarters of the commander-in-chief 
his home, establish himself there whenever he thought 
proper, and consider himself at all times as one of his 
family ; adding in a tone of pleasantry, that he could not 
promise him the luxuries of a court, or even the con- 
veniences which his former habits might have rendered 
essential to comfort ; but since he had become an Ameri- 
can soldier he would doubtless contrive to accommodate 
himself to the character he had assumed, and submit 
with a good grace to the customs, manners, and priva- 
tions of the republican army." 

Little was the bold spirit of La Fayette dismayed at 
the prospect of difficulties and privations. His soul 
could not be confined by hardships, dangers, or even 
defeats. He eagerly accepted the invitation of Wash- 
ington, and well repaid his kindly courtesy. It was 
about this time that the following letter was written 
from Paris by Franklin to Washington: — 

" Sir : The Marquis de La Fayette, a young nobleman 
of great expectations and exceedingly beloved here, is by 
this time probably Avith you. By some misapx^rehension 
in his contract with the merchants of Bordeaux he was 
prevented from using the produce of the cargo he car- 
ried over, and so was left without a supply of money. 
His friends here have sent him over about £500 ster- 
ling, and have proposed sending him more ; but on 
reflection, knowing the extreme generosity of his dispo- 
sition, and fearing that some of his necessitous and art- 
ful countrymen may impose on his goodness, they wish 
to put his money into the hands of some discreet friend, 
who may supply him from time to time, and by that 
means knowing his expenses, may take occasion to advise 
hina if necessary, from too much imposition. 



26 THE LIFE OF* LA FAYETTE, 

"They accordingly have desired us to name such a 
person to them. We have not been able to think of one 
so capable and so suitable from the influence of situation 
to perform that kind office as General Washington, 
under whose eye the gentleman will probably be. 

"We beg, therefore, in his behalf, what his friends 
out of respect would not take the liberty of asking, that 
Your Excellency would be pleased to furnish him with 
what money he may want in moderation, and take his 
drafts payable to us for sums paid him, which we shall 
receive here, and apply to the public service. 

"We also join with his family in their earnest request 
that you would favor him Avith your counsels, which you 
may be assured will be an act of benevolence gratefully re- 
membered and acknowledged by a number of very worthy 
persons here who have interested themselves extremely 
in the welfare of that amiable young nobleman. 

" With the greatest respect we have the honor to be, 
Sir, Your Excellency's." 

The commission which La Fayette had received from 
Congress was, as yet, only an honorary one, conferring 
upon him no real command. La Fayette was now with 
Washington at his headquarters. He was yearning for 
active duties, and impatient to j)rove by personal exploits 
his zeal in the cause of liberty. Washington wrote to 
Congress regarding La Fayette's position, but received 
the unsatisfactory reply, " that the commission given to 
the Marquis de La Fayette was only honorary, and that 
he could not yet receive an appointment." Again did 
the generous spirit of the young hero meet only a cold 
rebuff in answer to his warm offers of personal service. 
He determined now to win his position by his own 
actions, and the opportunity was not long in arriving. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 27 

On tlie lltli of September, 1777, was fought the battle 
of Brandywine. "The British fleet under Sir William 
Howe, whose movements along the American coast at 
one time seeming to threaten Philadelphia, and at an- 
other appearing to meditate an attack upon Charleston, 
had caused much apprehension and doubt, had, at last, 
entered the Chesapeake ; and, having proceeded up the 
Elk River as far as it was safely navigable, landed the 
forces at the ferry on the 25th of August. The determina- 
tion of an assault upon Philadelphia was no longer ques- 
tionable. The day before Sir William HoAve landed, 
General Washington, to inspire the citizens with confi- 
dence, paraded his troops through the streets of Phila- 
delphia, and then proceeded boldly to the Brandywine. 
The popular clamor, favored by the voice of Congress, 
demanded a battle, and Washington determined to risk 
one, though he greatly api^rehended that he could not 
successfully compete with the strength of the battalions 
marching against him. But a battle, though disastrous, 
would be less injurious than to suffer the enemy to 
advance to Philadelphia without opposition. 

"Washington, having halted for a few days on the 
banks of the Brandywine to refresh his troops, and get 
a better knowledge of the face of the country and the 
plans of the enemy, sent forward tAvo divisions under 
Green and Stephens, who proceeded nearer to the head 
of the Elk, and encamped behind White Clay Creek. 
Three miles farther on, at Iron Hill, was stationed Gen- 
eral Maxwell, at the head of an effective corps of light 
infantry, formed from a regiment of Morgan's riflemen, 
which had been detached to the northern army. 

" Posting the cavalry along the lines, Washington, with 
the main body, crossed the Brandywine, and took up his 
position behind Red Clay Creek, on the road which Sir 



28 THE LIFE of LA FAYETTE, 

William Howe would liave to traverse on his marcli to 
Philadelphia. La Fayette was with him, and watched 
with the liveliest interest the preparations for the ap- 
proaching contest. These were made with consummate 
adroitness and prudence ; but Sir William Howe was no 
common foe ; and the direction which he seemed con- 
templating for his vastly superior force decided Wash- 
ington that a change of his own position was necessary. 
A council of war was held on the night of the 9th of 
September, when it was determined to retire behind the 
Brandy wine, and meet the enemy near Chadd's Ford, 
from the heights which ranged along upon the opposite 
side of the river. 

" On the morning of the 11th of September, soon after 
daybreak, La Fayette sprang to his feet at the intelli- 
gence that the whole British army was in motion, and 
advancing towards them on the direct road leading over 
Chadd's Ford. General Maxwell had been advantage- 
ously stationed, so that he could command this road 
from the hills, on the south side of the river ; and the 
first action accordingly began with him. 

"The foe advanced in two magnificent columns, the 
right commanded by General Knyphausen, and the left 
by Lord Cornwallis. The plan of Howe was, that Knyp- 
hausen's division should occupy the attention of the 
Americans, by making repeated feints of attempting the 
passage of the ford, while Cornwallis should make a 
long sweep up the river, and cross it at Birmingham. 
Knyphausen accordingly advanced with his column, 
and sx^eedily dislodging General Maxwell from his post, 
forced him to cross over, though with but little loss. A 
furious cannonading was instantly begun, and other 
demonstrations made, which indicated the intention of 
the British immediately to attempt the passage of the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 29 

ford. The day was occupied in preventing this, till 
eleven o'clock in the morning, when the movement of 
Cornwallis was first announced to Washington. A smile 
of delight played upon his countenance, and he immedi- 
ately determined upon one of those bold but judicious 
plans for which he was remarkable. 

" Placing himself at the head of the centre and left 
wing of the army, he resolved to cross the river in per- 
son, and overwhelm Knyphausen before Cornwallis could 
be summoned back to his aid. His ranks were already 
formed for the passage, and his troops had answered to 
the proposition with deafening shouts, when a messenger 
arrived with the intelligence that Cornwallis had only 
made a feint of crossing the fords above, and was now 
actually bringing his division down the southern side of 
the river, to re-unite with Knyphausen. The tidings 
were agony to Washington ; though, false, they came in 
a form which constrained him to believe them true, and 
his bold project was accordingly abandoned. His troops 
were impatient for the encounter, but for two hours he 
could only give them quiet directions, while he endeav- 
ored, in distressing suspense, to gain some clew to the 
movements of the enemy on the opposite side. 

^'At about two o'clock in the afternoon his uncer- 
tainty was removed, when certain intelligence reached 
him, that Lord Cornwallis, after having made a circuit 
of nearly seventeen miles, had forded the river above its 
forks, and, accompanied by Sir William Howe, was ad- 
vancing upon him. Close action was immediately pre- 
pared for, and all along the American lines ran the 
accents of welcome for the conflict. The three divisions 
which formed the right wing, under Generals Sullivan, 
Stirling, and Stephens, were detached, and, moving up 
the Brandywine, fronted the British column marching 



30 THE LIFE OF %A FAYETTE, 

down the river. Selecting an advantageous piece of 
ground near Birmingham, with the river on their left, 
and, having both flanks covered by a thick wood, they 
hastily formed and awaited the attack. 

" La Fayette, who had kept by the side of Washington 
during these scenes, and marked them with absorbing 
interest, soon saw that the divisions designed to meet 
Cornwallis were to receive most of the heavy blows of 
that day's battle, and petitioned and obtained permission 
to join them. A burst of enthusiasm greeted his arrival, 
as he threw himself into the midst of the troops, eagerly 
awaiting the approach of the foe. The opportunity 
which he sought was not wanting long. The host was 
visible, sweeping in grand and imposing array over the 
plain before them. When he saw the enemy. Lord 
Cornwallis formed in the finest order, and hastening 
forward, his first line opened a brisk fire of musketry 
and artillery upon them. It was about half-past four 
when the battle began. The Americans returned the fire 
with great injury, but the impetuosity with which the 
English and Hessian troops threw themselves upon their 
ranks was more than they could withstand. 

"For a time both parties fought with unparalleled 
bravery, and the carnage was terrible. For some time 
it was a doubtful struggle, but the fiery emulation which 
stimulated the English and the Hessians at last com- 
pelled the Americans to give way before them. 

" The right wing first yielded, then the left, while the 
central division, where La Fayette was bravely fighting, 
was the last to breast the storm, which now, concentrat- 
ing its strength, spent its fury upon those devoted ranks. 
Firm as a rock, they bore themselves proudly against 
the tide of victory, which rolled in fearfully upon them. 
By a skilful manoeuvre, Cornwallis had managed to sep- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 31 

arate them from the two wings, when defeat became 
inevitable. The whole fire of the enemy was united 
against them, and the confusion became extreme. The 
troops at hrst wavered, then rallied, then wavered again, 
and at last fell into a disorderly retreat. It was in vain 
that La Fayette endeavored to check them ; defying dan- 
ger, he stood almost single-handed against the on-coming 
host, and endeavored to reanimate his flying comrades 
by his own example. It was all fruitless. A ball struck 
him, and as he fell, those remaining on the field gave 
way. 

" Gimat, aide-de-camp to the Marquis, assisted his mas- 
ter in getting upon a horse, and, though the blood was 
flowing profusely from his wound. La Fayette reluctantly 
turned and joined the fugitives. General Washington at 
this moment arrived with fresh troops upon the field. 
Greene's divisions had marched four miles in forty-ttvo 
minutes, but were too late to avert the disasters of the 
day. La Fayette, as soon as he saw Washington, started 
to join him, but loss of blood obliged him to stop and 
have his wound bandaged. While submitting to this a 
band of soldiers came upon him so suddenly that he had 
barely time to remount for flight, escaping, as by a mir- 
acle, the shower of bullets which whistled around his 
form. 

" A general rout was the order of the day. The road 
to Chester was crowded with the retreating. Knyphau- 
sen had forced the passage of Chadd's Ford, notwithstand- 
ing the obstinate resistance of Generals Wayne and 
Maxwell, who had been left to defend it. Washington 
found that all that could be done was to stay the pursuit. 
So successful were his efforts, and those of General 
Greene, that, as night approached. Sir William Howe 
called in his troops and gave over the chase. La Fayette 



32 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

was unwearied in his endeavors to save the army. For- 
getting himself, his wound, and everything but tliis one 
object, he exerted himself to the utmost amid the dark- 
ness and dreadful confusion of that night, to restore 
order among the fleeing and despairing soldiery. At 
Chester Bridge, twelve miles from the scene of battle, he 
Avas in part successful." 

The generals and the commander-in-chief arrived, and 
La Fayette, at last fainting from loss of blood and fa- 
tigue, was borne away to receive the attention which his 
situation demanded. The next day he wrote to his wife 
as follows : — 

"Philadelphia, Sept. 12th. 

" I must begin by telling you that I am perfectly well, 
because I must end by telling you that Ave fought seri- 
ously last night, and that Ave Avere not the stronger party 
on the field of battle. Our Americans, after having stood 
their ground for some time, ended at length by being 
routed. While endeaA^oring to rally them, the English 
honored me Avith a musket ball, Avhich slightly Avounded 
me in the leg ; but it is a trifle, my dearest love : the ball 
touched neither bone nor nerA^e, and I liaA^e escaped with 
the obligation of lying upon my back for some time, which 
puts me much out of humor. I hope youAvill feel no 
anxiety. This event ought, on the contrary, rather to 
reassure you, since I am incapacitated from appearing 
on the field for some time. I liaA^e resoh^ed to take great 
care of myself; be convinced of this, my love. This 
affair will, I fear, be attended with bad consequences for 
America, but Ave Avill endeavor, if possible, to repair the 
evil. You must have received many letters from me, un- 
less the English be as ill-disposed toAA^ards my epistles as 
toAvards my legs. I have not yet receiA^ed one letter, and 
I am most impatient to hear from you. It is dreadful to 



THE KNWHT OF LIBERTY. 33 

be reduced to hold no communication except by letter 
with a person whom one loves as I love you, and as I 
shall ever love you, until I draw my latest breath. I 
have not missed a single opportunity, not even the most 
indirect one, of writing to you. Do the same on your 
part, my dearest life, if you love me. Adieu ; I am for- 
bidden to write longer." 

After the battle of Brandy wine Congress adjourned to 
Bristol, as Philadelphia was thought to be in danger ; and 
La Fayette was carried to Bethlehem and placed in the 
care of the Moravian Society until his wound should be 
healed. In October he thus wrote to his wife : — 

"I wrote to you, my dearest love, the 12th of Sep- 
tember ; the twelfth was the day after the eleventh, and 
I have a little tale to relate to you concerning that elev- 
enth day. To render my action more meritorious, I might 
tell you that prudent reflections induced me to remain 
for some weeks in bed, safe sheltered from all dan- 
ger ; but I must acknowledge that I was encouraged to 
take this measure by a slight wound which I met with, I 
know not hoAV, for I did not, in truth, expose myself to 
peril. It was the first conflict at which I had been pres- 
ent ; so you see how very rare engagements are. It will 
be the last of this campaign, or, in all probability, at least, 
the last great battle ; and if anything should occur, you 
see that I could not myself be present. 

" My first occupation was to write you the day after 
that affair ; I told you that it was a mere trifle, and I was 
right ; all I fear is, that you may not have received my 
letter. 

'^As General Howe is giving, meanwhile, rather pom- 
pous details of his American exploits to the king his 
master, if he should write that I am wounded, he may 



34 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

also write that I am killed, wliicli would not cost liim 
anything; but I hope that my friends, and you espe- 
cially, will not give faith to the reports of those persons 
who last year dared to publish that General Washing- 
ton and all the general officers of his army, being in a 
boat together, had been upset, and every indi^ddual 
drowned. But let us speak about the wound : it is 
only a flesh wound, and has touched neither bone nor 
nerve. The surgeons are astonished at the rax:)idity 
with which it heals ; they are in an ecstasy of joy each 
time they dress it, and pretend it is the finest thing in 
the world. For my part, I think it most disagreeable, 
painful, and wearisome ; but tastes often differ. If a 
man, however, wished to be wounded for his amusement 
only, he should come and examine how I have been 
struck, that he might be struck precisely in the same 
manner. This, my dearest love, is what I pompously 
style my wound, to give myself airs and render myself 
interesting. 

"I must now give you your lesson as wife of an 
American general officer. They will say to you, 'They 
have been beaten ' ; you must answer, ' That is true ; but 
when two armies of equal number meet in the field, old 
soldiers have naturally the advantage over new ones; 
they have, besides, had the pleasure of killing a great 
many of the enemy, many more than they have lost ! ' 
They will afterwards add, ' All this is very well ; but 
Philadelphia is taken, the capital of America, the ram- 
part of liberty ! ' You must politely ansAver : '■ You are all 
great fools ! Philadelphia is a x^oor, forlorn town, exposed 
on every side, the harbor of which was already closed ; 
though the residence of Congress lent it — I know not 
why — some degree of celebrity.' This is the famous 
city which, be it added, we shall, sooner or later, make 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 35 

them yield back to us. If they continue to persecute 
you with questions, you may send them about their busi- 
ness in terms which the Vicomte de Noailles will teach 
you, for I cannot lose time by talking to you of politics. 

" Be perfectly at ease about my wound ; all the faculty 
in America are engaged in my service. I have a friend 
who has spoken to them in such a manner that I am 
certain of being well attended to. That friend is Gen- 
eral Washington. This excellent man, whose talents 
and virtues I admired, and whom I have learned to 
revere as I know him better, has now become my inti- 
mate friend. His affectionate interest in me instantly 
won my heart. I am established in his house, and we 
live together like two attached brothers, with mutual 
confidence and cordiality. This friendship renders me 
as happy as I can possibly be in this country. When he 
sent his best surgeon to me, he told him to take charge 
of me as if I were his son, because he loved me with 
the same affection. Having heard that I wished to re- 
join the army too soon, he wrote me a letter full of ten- 
derness, in which he requested me to attend to the per- 
fect restoration of my health. I give you these details, 
my dearest love, that you may feel quite certain of the 
care which is taken of me. Among the French officers 
who have all expressed the warmest interest in me, M. 
de Gimat, my aide-de-camp, has followed me about like 
my shadow, both before and since the battle, and has 
given me every possible proof of attachment. You may 
thus feel quite secure on this account, both for the pres- 
ent and the future. 

" I am at present in the solitude of Bethlehem, which 
the Abbe Raynal has described so minutely. This es- 
tablishment is a very interesting one; the fraternity 
lead an agreeable and very tranquil life — but we will talk 



36 THE LIFE OF*LA FAYETTE, 

over all this on my return. I intend to weary tliose I 
love^ yourself, of course, in the first place, by the rela- 
tion of my adventures, for you know that I was always 
a great chatterbox. 

" You must become a prattler also, my love, and say 
many things for me to Henriette — my poor little Hen- 
riette ! embrace her a thousand times ; talk of me to 
her, but do not tell her all I deserve to suffer: my 
punishment will be, not to be recognized by her on my 
arrival ; that is the penance Henriette will impose upon 
me." 

In the life of Madame de La Fayette, written by her 
daughter, Madame de Lasteyrie, this touching account is 
given of La Fayette's wife at this time. 

"In the month of April, 1777, my father carried out 
his plan of going to America. It is easy to judge of my 
mother's grief on receiving tidings so new, so unex- 
pected, and so terrible. In addition to all she was her- 
self suffering ; she had the pain of witnessing my grand- 
father's anger. ' The French ladies,' Lord Stomont, the 
English ambassador, wrote to his government, 'blame 
M. de La Fayette's family, for having tried to stop him 
in so noble an enterj)rise. If the Due d'Ayen,' one of 
them said, ' crosses such a son-in-law in such an attempt, 
he must not hope to find husbands for his other daugh- 
ters.' 

"My mother felt that the more she excited pity, the 
more my father would be censured. All her endeavors 
were then to conceal the tortures of her heart, preferring 
to be thought childish or indifferent to bringing down 
greater blame on his behavior. My mother found much 
comfort in the kindness shown to her by my grand- 
mother, whose noble mind made her appreciate each 
detail of her son-in-law's conduct. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 'SI 

" It was with truly maternal tenderness that she broke 
to her daughter the different accounts of my father's 
departure, of his arrest, of his return to Bordeaux, and 
of his ultimate embarkation at the Port du Passage in 
Spain. 

" The first accounts of my father's arrival in America 
reached my mother a month after the birth of my sister 
Anastasie. His charming letters, the accounts of his 
deeds, the success he had already achieved, caused her 
a delight mingled with apprehensions for the dangers 
of war. The news of my father having been wounded 
at the battle of Brandywine reached my mother's ears, 
but still more alarming reports were hidden from her." 

After being wounded at Brandywine, La Fayette heard 
of the birth of his second daughter, Anastasie. He thus 
tenderly wrote to his adored wife : — 

" How happy your safety has made me. Dearest heart, 
I must speak of it all through my letter, for I can think 
of nothing else. What rapture to embrace you all, — 
the mother and the two little girls, — to make them 
intercede with you for their truant father." 

Concerning this first visit of La Fayette to America 
Madame de La Fayette herself thus writes : — 

"M. de La Fayette executed in April the scheme he 
had been forming for six months past, of going to serve 
the cause of independence in America. I loved him ten- 
derly. On hearing the news of his departure, my father 
and all the family fell into a state of violent anger. My 
mother, dreading these emotions for me, on account of 
the state of health I was in, alarmed at the dangers her 
dearly beloved son had gone to seek so far, having her- 
self, less than anybody in the world, the thirst of am- 
bition and of worldly glory or a taste for enterprise, 
appreciated, nevertheless, M. de La Fayette's conduct as 



38 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

it was appreciated two years later by tlie rest of the 
world. Totally casting aside all care with regard to the 
immense expense of such an enterprise, she found, from 
the first moment, in the manner in which it had been 
prepared, a motive for distinguishing it from what is 
termed une folie cle jeune homme. His sorrow on leav- 
ing his wife and those who were dear to him convinced 
her that she need not fear for the happiness of my life 
save in proportion to her fears for his. It Avas she 
who gave me the cruel news of his departure, and, 
with that generous tenderness which was peculiar to 
her, she tried to comfort me by finding the means of 
serving M. de La Fayette. 

"At that time my mother's youngest sister married 
M. de Segur, one of M. de La Fayette's friends. My 
mother devoted to her all the moments she could dispose 
of, but I was still the continual object of her solicitude. 
She saw how much good she did me by showing her 
affection for M. de La Fayette. Whenever M. de La 
Fayette's touching letters reached us, I could see how 
thoroughly she believed in his tenderness for me. At 
the end of two months my dear Anastasie was born. It 
seemed as if I already foresaw what a gift God was 
bestowing on me ; from the first moment of her birth 
I felt that in the midst of the greatest trials I was 
still capable of joy. My child received her grand- 
mother's blessing, and was carried by her to the bap- 
tismal font. 

" The first news from M. de La Fayette arrived on the 
first of August, one month after Anastasie's birth. The 
comfort it gave me was fully sliared. My mother was 
indefatigable in her efforts to obtain some accounts of 
him, to send him news from us, and to make herself use- 
ful to him though separated by so great a distance. The 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 39 

few details whicli reached us respecting his arrival, and 
the favorable impression he had made on the public mind 
in America, did not surprise my mother, but renewed her 
courage and made her still more thankful to Providence 
who was so visibly protecting and guiding him. But 
shortly afterwards we heard that M. de La Fayette had 
been wounded at the battle of Brandywine. I need not 
say what were my mother's feelings on hearing such 
intelligence. She succeeded in keeping from me the 
report of his death, which was spread about at that 
time, and to prevent false news from reaching my ear ; 
she first took me to her father's place in Burgundy, and 
then sent my sister and me on a visit to the Comtesse 
Auguste de La Marck, at Kaismes. The Comte de La 
Marck was Mirabeau's friend. 

"During the winter of 1778 my mother turned all her 
efforts towards obtaining intelligence from America. We 
heard occasionally from M. de La Fayette. The alliance 
between France and the United States caused my mother 
great satisfaction; I had never seen her take such in- 
terest in any political event." 

Thus tenderly this young wife of eighteen was shielded 
by her mother's care during this trying absence of the 
young husband whom she so adored. Regarding the un- 
usual and ideal love existing between La Fayette and 
his devoted wife in their early married life, their 
daughter Virginie, afterwards the Marquise de Lasteyrie, 
thus writes : — 

"I do not think it is possible to have an idea of my 
mother's way of loving. It was peculiar to herself. Her 
affection for my father predominated over every other 
feeling without diminishing any. It might be said she 
felt for him the most ' passionate attachment, if that 
expression was in harmony with tlie exquisite delicacy 



40 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

which kept her from any sort of jealousy, or, at least, 
from any of those evil impulses generally attendant upon 
that feeling. Neither had she ever a moment of exigence. 
Not only was it impossible for my father ever to perceive 
a wish that could be unwelcome to him, but, even in the 
depth of her heart, never did there lurk a bitter feeling. 
She was fourteen and a half when she married. At that 
time her mind was violently agitated by religious doubts. 
Notwithstanding the very tender feeling which drew her 
towards my father, she was much troubled by tlie thought 
of the solemn engagement she was taking at so early an 
age. All she felt appeared to her beyond her strength, 
and she placed herself under the protection of God, to 
whom in the midst of her disquietudes she never ceased 
to look for support. 

^^My mother's grief at my father's departure to join 
his regiment made her feel how deeply she was attached 
to him. She did not leave her paternal home. In con- 
sequence of the extreme youth of both my parents, for 
my father was but sixteen years of age, it had been 
agreed that they should pass several years at the H6tel 
de Noailles, the town residence of my mother's family. 

"The following winter was very gay. My mother as 
well as her sister frequently went both to the play and 
to balls. She enjoyed all these pleasures with the liveli- 
ness of her age and disposition. Nevertheless, I do not 
think she ever allowed herself to join in any before it 
had been proved to her that she was conscientiously 
obliged to partake in them. Never, even in her earliest 
youth, did she allow herself to taste a single worldly 
amusement without being actuated by motives of duty 
superior to those which forbade them. She did not join 
in them without reflection, but, once decided, she would 
enjoy herself thoroughly and without scruple. It is 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 41 

worthy of remark that the religious doubts which tor- 
tured her shoukl not have made her less timorous on 
this point. On the contrary, she was incessantly apply- 
ing for the grace of God in order to learn the fulness of 
truth. He granted her prayers ; her mind ceased to be 
troubled. She made her first communion that same year, 
on the first Sunday after Easter, and gave herself up to 
God, in whom she continued to trust so faithfully amidst 
all the vicissitudes of life. Shortly afterwards, her first 
child, little Henriette, was ])orn." 

Before La Fayette's wound, received at Brandywine, 
was sufficiently healed to permit him to Avear a boot, he 
was so impatient to enter into active service, that he 
offered himself again as a volunteer, and joined an expe- 
dition which was then fitting out under General Greene, 
to operate in New Jersey. Preparations were made to 
give battle to Lord Cornwallis ; but that officer having 
received large re-enforcements, General Greene, though 
greatly disappointed, deemed it inexpedient to dare an 
attack. But young La Fayette could not consent to re- 
tire without attempting to strike a blow. He was ac- 
cordingly placed at the head of a small company, for 
reconnoitring, and authorized to make an attack if he 
thought it advisable. While he was examining the 
enemy's position, his little band came suddenly upon a 
picket of four hundred Hessians. La Fayette's company 
numbered only three hundred men ; but he led them gal- 
lantly to the attack, and the Hessians were soon flying 
before them. La Fayette followed, and the Hessians 
meeting re-enforcements, turned to meet their brave pur- 
suers. Great as the odds were against him, La Fayette 
and his valiant band boldly met the enemy, and again 
put them to flight, pursuing them until dark ; they re- 
turned to camp with only five men wounded and one 
dead. Such was the battle of Gloucester. 



42 THE LIFE OF* LA FAYETTE, 

This heroic action so impressed Congress with the 
bravery of La Fayette, that they promptly responded 
to Washington's renewed request in behalf of the young 
marquis ; aaid on the 1st of December, 1777, the follow- 
ing resolution was passed : — 

" Resolved, That General Washington be informed it is highly 
agreeable to Congress that the Marquis de La Fayette be ap- 
pointed to the command of a division in the continental army." 

Three days after, La Fayette was publicly invested 
with his rank, and placed over the division of Virginia 
troops, lately lead by General Stephens. 

The campaign of 1777 was now drawing to its close. 
Sir AYilliam Howe, having recalled Lord Cornwallis, en- 
deavored to force Washington from his position; but 
though there were several skirmishes, in which La 
Fayette distinguished himself, Washington would not 
be decoyed by his crafty foe, and Howe marched back 
to Philadelphia without having effected a battle. 

The Eevolutionary army now went into winter quar- 
ters at Valley Forge. La Fayette thus describes the 
condition of their troops at this time : — 

" The unfortunate soldiers were in want of everything ; 
they had neither coats, hats, shirts, nor shoes; their feet 
and legs froze until they became black, and it was often 
necessary to amputate them. From want of money they 
could not obtain either provisions or any means of trans- 
port. The colonels were often reduced to two rations, 
and sometimes to one. The army frequently remained 
whole days without provisions, and the patient endur- 
ance of both soldiers and officers was a miracle, which 
each moment served to renew. But the sight of their 
misery prevented new engagements ; it was almost im- 
possible to levy recruits ; it was easy to desert into the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 43 

interior of the country. The sacred fires of liberty were 
not extinguished, it is true, and the majority of the 
citizens detested British tyranny, but the triumph of 
the North (Gates' defeat of Burgoyne) and the tran- 
quillity of the South had lulled to sleep two-thirds of 
the continent." 

La Fayette endured with uncomplaining patience the 
greatest privations. He adopted the American dress, 
habits, and food. He allowed himself to fare no better 
than his comrades in war; and though his entire life 
heretofore had been spent in ease and luxury, he repined 
not at cold and scanty provisions, but rather gloried in 
his personal sacrifices. He thus writes from Valley 
Forge to his father-in-law, the Duke d' Ayen, in France : — 

" The loss of Philadelphia is far from being so impor- 
tant as it is conceived to be in Europe. If the difference 
of circumstances, of countries, and of proportions be- 
tween the two armies were not duly considered, the 
success of General Gates would appear surprising when 
compared with the events which have occurred with us, 
taking into account the superiority of General Washing- 
ton over General Gates. Our general is a man formed, 
in truth, for this revolution, which could not have been 
accomplished without him. I see him more intimately 
than any other man, and I see that he is Avorthy of the 
adoration of his country. His tender friendship for me 
and his complete confidence in me relating to all politi- 
cal and military subjects, great as well as small, enable 
me to judge of all the interests he has to conciliate, and 
all the difficulties he has to conquer. 

" I admire each day more fully the excellence of his 
character and the kindness of his heart. Some foreigners 
are displeased at not having been employed, although it 
did not depend on him to employ them ; others, whose 



44 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

ambitious projects he would not serve, and some intrigu- 
ing jealous men, have endeavored to injure his reputa- 
tion ; but his name will be revered in every age by all 
true lovers of liberty and humanity. Although I may 
appear to be eulogizing my friend, I believe that the 
part he makes me act gives me the right of avowing 
publicly how much I admire and respect him. 

" America is most impatiently expecting us to declare 
for her, and France will one day, I trust, determine to hum- 
ble the pride of England. This thought, and the meas- 
ures which America appears determined to pursue, give 
me great hopes for the glorious establishment of her 
independence. We are not, I confess, as strong as I 
expected; but we are strong enough to fight, and we 
shall do so, I think, with some degree of success. With 
the assistance of France we shall gain the cause that 
I cherish, because it is the cause of justice; because 
it honors humanity ; because it is important to my 
country ; and because my American friends and my- 
self are deeply engaged in it. The approaching cam- 
paign will be an interesting one. It is said that the Eng- 
lish are sending against us some Hanoverians ; some time 
ago they threatened us with what was far worse, — the 
arrival of some Russians. A slight menace from France 
would lessen the number of these re-enforcements. The 
more I see of the English, the more thoroughly convinced 
I am that it is necessary to speak to them in a loud tone. 

"After having wearied you with public affairs, you 
must not expect to escape without being wearied also 
with my private affairs. It is impossible to be more 
agreeably situated in a foreign country than I am. I 
have only feelings of pleasure to express, and I have 
each day more reason to be satisfied with the conduct of 
Congress towards me, although my military occupations 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 45 

have allowed me to become personally acquainted with 
but few of its members. Those I do know have espe- 
cially loaded me with marks of kindness and attention. 
The new president, Mr. Laurens, one of the most respect- 
able men of America, is my particular friend. As to the 
army, I have had the happiness of obtaining the friend- 
ship of every individual ; not one opportunity is lost of 
giving me proofs of it. 

"■I passed the whole summer without receiving a 
division, Avhich you know had been my previous inten- 
tion; I passed all that time at General Washington's 
house, where I felt as if I were with a friend of twenty 
years' standing. Since my return from Jersey, he has 
desired me to choose among several brigades the division 
which may please me best. I have chosen one entirely 
composed of Virginians. It is weak in point of numbers 
at present, just in proportion, however, to the weakness 
of the whole army, and almost in a state of nakedness ; 
but I am promised cloth, of which I shall make clothes, 
and recruits, of which soldiers must be made, about the 
same period; but unfortunately the latter is the more 
difficult task, even for more skilful men than I. 

"The task I am performing here, if I have acquired 
sufficient experience to perform it well, will improve 
exceedingly my future knowledge. The major-general 
replaces the lieutenant-general and the field-marshal in 
their most important functions, and I should have the 
power of employing to advantage both my talents and 
experience, if Providence and my extreme youth allowed 
me to boast of possessing either. I read, I study, I ex- 
amine, I listen, I reflect; and the result of all is the 
endeavor to form an opinion into which I infuse as 
much common sense as possible. I will not talk much 
for fear of saying foolish things ; I will still less risk 



46 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

acting much, for fear of doing foolish things ; for I am 
not disposed to abuse the confidence which the Ameri- 
cans have so kindly placed in me. Such is the plan of 
conduct which I have followed until now, and which I 
shall continue to follow ; but when some plans occur to 
me which I believe may become useful when properly 
rectified, I hasten to impart them to a great judge, who 
is good enough to say he is pleased with them. 

"On the other hand, when my heart tells me that a 
favorable opportunity offers, I cannot refuse myself the 
pleasure of participating in the peril ; but I do not think 
that the vanity of success ought to make us risk the 
safety of an army, or of any portion of it, which may 
not be formed or calculated for the offensive. If I 
could make an axiom with the certainty of not saying 
a foolish thing, I should venture to add that whatever 
may be our force, we must content ourselves with a 
completely defensive plan, with the exception, however, 
of the moment when we may be forced to action, because 
I think I have perceived that the English troops are 
more astonished by a brisk attack than by a firm re- 
sistance. 

"This letter will be given you by the celebrated 
Adams, whose name must undoubtedl}^ be known to 
you. As I have never allowed myself to quit the army, 
I have never seen him. He wished that I should give 
him letters of introduction to France, especially to your- 
self. May I hope that you will have the goodness to 
receive him kindly, and even to give him some informa- 
tion respecting the present state of affairs ? I fancied 
that you would not be sorry to converse with a man 
whose merit is so universally acknowledged. He desires 
ardently to succeed in.' obtaining the esteem of our na- 
tion. One of his friends himself told me this." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 47 

About this time a base and treaclieroiis intrigue was 
formed against Washington. General Gates' victory 
over Burgoyne covered his name with a blaze of glory, 
and censurers of Washington's prudent policies were 
not slow in suggesting that Horatio Gates was entitled 
to the honor of receiving the post of commander-in- 
chief; and there were not wanting ambitious partisans 
and disloyal spirits to swell the ranks of the plotting 
discontents. Treachery and falsehood now joined their 
crafty hands in fellowship, and together working their 
machinations, they strove by base insinuations to break 
down the influence of Washington, and even endeav- 
ored to enlist the true-hearted La Fayette in favor of 
their vile schemes. But the friendship of the young 
marquis could not be weakened by any artful plot, nor 
could his firm alliance be shaken by any promises of 
rank or power. 

It was at this time that he sent to Washington this 
manly and appreciative letter : — 

" My Dear General : I went yesterday morning to 
headquarters, with an intention of speaking to your 
excellency, but you were too busy, and I shall inform 
you in this letter what I Avished to say. 

" I don't need to tell you that I am sorry for all that has 
happened for some time past. My sorrow is a necessary 
consequence of my most tender and respectful friendship 
for you, which affection is as true and candid as the 
other sentiments of my heart, and much stronger than 
so new an acquaintance seems to admit ; but another 
reason to be concerned in the present circumstances is 
the result of my' ardent and perhaps enthusiastic wishes 
for the happiness and liberty of this country. I see 
plainly that America can defend lierself if proper meas- 



48 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

ures are taken, and now I begin to fear lest she should 
be lost by herself and her own sons. 

"When I was in Europe, I thought that here almost 
every man was a lover of liberty, and would rather die 
free than live a slave. You can conceive of my aston- 
ishment when I saw that Toryism was as openly pro- 
fessed as Whiggism itself; however, at that time I 
believed that all good Americans Avere united together ; 
that the confidence of Congress in you was unbounded. 
Then I entertained the belief that America Avould be 
independent in case she should not lose you. Take 
away for an instant that modest diffidence of yourself 
(which, pardon my freedom, my dear General, is some- 
times too great, and I wish you could know as well as 
myself what difference there is between you and every 
other man), you would see very plainly that, if you were 
lost for America, there is nobody who could hold the 
army and the revolution six months. There are open 
discussions in Congress ; parties who hate one another 
as much as the common enemy ; stupid men, who, with- 
out knowing a single Avord about war, undertake to 
judge you, to make ridiculous comparisons. They are 
infatuated with Gates, without thinking of the differ- 
ent circumstances, and believe that attacking is the 
only thing necessary to conquer. These ideas are en- 
tertained by some jealous men, and perhaps secret 
friends to the British government, who want to push 
you, in a moment of ill-humor, to some rash enterprise 
upon the lines, and against a much stronger army. I 
should not take the liberty of mentioning these particu- 
lars if I had not received a letter about this matter from 
a young, good-natured gentleman at York, whom Conway 
has ruined by his cunning, but who entertains the great- 
est respect for you." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 49 

La Fayette then recounts the efforts which the ene- 
mies of Washington had made to win his allegiance from 
the commander-in-chief, and closes by reiterating his 
tender and profound respect, 

Washington, in replying to this letter, thanks La 
Fayette for the "fresh proof of friendship and attach- 
ment which it gave him," and in conclusion writes : 
'' But we must not, in so great a contest, expect to meet 
nothing but sunshine. I have no doubt that everything 
happens for the best, that we shall triumph over all our 
misfortunes, and, in the end, be happy, — when, my dear 
Marquis, if you will give me your company in Virginia, 
we will laugh at our past difficulties and the folly of 
others, and I will endeavor, by every civility in my 
power, to show you how much, and how sincerely, I am 
your affectionate and obedient servant." 

A new board of war had been instituted by Congress, 
designed to have a general control of military affairs. 
Of this board Gates was made president, and his influ- 
ence was given in favor of measures contrary to the 
views of Washington. As La Fayette could neither be 
persuaded nor bribed to be false to Washington, the con- 
spirators conceived a new plan. An expedition into 
Canada was proposed, and Congress went so far as to 
ma-ke a resolution regarding said expedition, and give all 
control of the same into the hands of the Board of War. 
This was the opportunity wished for by Washington's 
enemies. Without consulting Washington, La Fayette 
was informed that he was appointed to the command of 
this expedition, and ordered to report at Albany, where 
the troops were to rendezvous. The instructions given 
him Avere of the vaguest kind, and, as after-events proved, 
intended to mislead him. Washington having advised 
La Fayette to accept the commission, the marquis de- 



50 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

parted, taking with him his countryman, the Baron de 
Kalb, as second in command. As authority for these 
statements, we Avould refer to the " M^moires et Manu- 
scrits " of La Fayette, published by his family in Paris, 
in 1837, in which La Fayette himself declares these 
facts, and where the following letter appears. A note 
is also added by his son, which says : " He wrote to 
Congress that he could not accept the command only 
upon the condition that he should remain subordinate 
to General Washington, and should be considered as an 
officer despatched by him, to whom he should address 
his letters, of which those received at the bureau of war 
should be but duplicates. These demands, and all others 
which he had made, Avere granted." The result of this 
expedition may be learned by the accompanying letter 
from La Fayette to Washington. 

In previous letters, which we will not quote, the mar- 
quis entered into minute details regarding the entire 
expedition, from the time of his departure until his 
arrival at Albany, enumerating the many strange and 
suspicious circumstances which came to his knowl- 
edge. He then sums up the situation in the follow- 
ing letter : — 

"My dear General: I have an opportunity of writing 
to your Excellency, which I will not miss by any means, 
even should I be afraid of becoming tedious and trouble- 
some ; but if they have sent me far from you, I don't 
know for what purpose, at least I must make some little 
use of my pen, to prevent all communication from being 
cut off between your Excellency and myself. I have 
written lately to you my distressing, ridiculous, foolish, 
and indeed nameless situation. I am sent with great 
noise, at the head of an army, for doing great things ; the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 51 

whole continent, France and Enrope herself, and what is 
the worst, the British army, are in great expectations. 
How far they will be deceived, how far we shall be ridi- 
culed, you may judge by the candid account you have got 
of the state of affairs. 

"There are things, I dare say, in which I am deceived; 
a certain colonel is not here for nothing ; one other gen- 
tleman became very popular before I came to this place : 
Arnold himself is very fond of him. Every side on which 
I turn to look I am sure a cloud is drawn before my eyes ; 
but there are points I cannot be deceived upon. The 
want of money, the dissatisfaction among the soldiers, 
the disinclination of every one (except the Canadians, 
who thereby would stay at home) for this expedition, are 
as conspicuous as possible. I am sure I shall become very 
ridiculous and be laughed at. My expedition will be as 
famous as the secret expedition against Ehode Island. I 
confess, my dear General, that I find myself of very sensi- 
tive feelings whenever my reputation and glory are con- 
cerned in anything. It is very hard indeed that such a 
part of my happiness, Avithout which I cannot live, should 
depend upon schemes which I never knew of but when 
there was no time to put them into execution. I assure 
you, my most dear and respected friend, that I am more 
unhappy than I ever was. 

" My desire for doing something was such that I have 
thought of doing it by surprise, with a detachment, but 
this seems to me rash and quite impossible. I should be 
very happy if you were here to give me some advice, but 
I have nobody to consult with. They have sent to me 
more than twenty French officers, but I do not know 
what to do with them. I beg you will acquaint me with 
the line of conduct you advise me to follow on every 
Doint. I am at a loss how to act, and indeed I do not 



52 THE LIFE of LA FAYETTE, 

know what I am here for myself. However, as being the 
highest officer (after General Arnold) who has desired me 
to take the command, I think it is my duty to guard the 
affairs of this part of America as Avell as I can. Though 
General Gates holds the title and power of commander-in- 
chief of the Northern Department, as two hundred thou- 
sand dollars have arrived, I have taken upon myself to pay 
the most important of the debts we are involved in. I 
am about sending provisions to Fort Schuyler ; and will go 
and see the fort. I will try to get some clothes for the 
troops, and buy some articles for the next campaign. I 
have directed some money to be borrowed upon my credit 
to satisfy the soldiers, who are much discontented. In 
all I endeavor to do for the best, though I have no 
particular authority or instructions. I will come as near 
as I can to General Gates' intentions, but I anxiously 
desire to get an answer to my letters. 

"I fancy (betAveen us) that the actual scheme is to 
have me out of this part of the continent, and General 
Conway in chief command under the immediate direction 
of General Gates. How they will bring it about I do 
not know, but you may be sure something of that kind 
will appear. Ilou are nearer than myself, and every 
honest man in Congress is your friend; therefore you 
can foresee and prevent, if possible, the evil, a hundred 
times better than I can. I would only give the idea to 
your Excellency. 

"Will you be so good as to present my respects to 
your lady ? With the most tender affection and highest 
respect I have the honor to be, etc." 

Deeply sympathizing with the trying position of the 
high-spirited young marquis, Washington used his influ- 
ence to have him recalled ; but in such manner as should 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 53 

honor his fidelity and exonerate his name from any blame. 
His kind efforts in behalf of La Fayette were snccessful, 
and on the second of March the Board of War was 
directed " to instruct the Marquis de La Fayette to sus- 
pend for the present the intended invasion, and at the 
same time inform him that Congress entertained a high 
sense of his prudence, activity, and zeal ; and that they 
were fully persuaded nothing has or would have been 
wanting on his part, or on the part of the officers who 
accompanied him, to give the expedition the utmost 
possible effect." 

La Fayette accordingly returned to Valley Forge, and 
rejoined Washington. How inexpressibly comforting to 
the harassed heart of Washington must have been the 
faithfulness of this young knight, who laid his sword 
and fortune at the feet of his adopted father, before 
whose character and virtue he bowed with devotion and 
stanch loyalty. 

On the 19th of May, 1778, Sir William Howe, then 
commanding the British troops occupying Philadelphia, 
planned to give the fair Tory ladies a delightful surprise. 
Valley Forge was about twenty miles from Philadelphia, 
and already Washington had begun several manoeuvres 
in the opening campaign. La Fayette had been detached 
with a picked company of two thousand men, and ordered 
to cross the Schuylkill, and take up his post as an ad- 
vance guard of the army. In accordance with these 
instructions, the marquis had stationed himself at Barren 
Hill, about midway between Valley Forge and Phila- 
delphia. This interesting piece of news soon reached 
Sir William Howe, and he thereupon determined to en- 
trap the marquis, and exhibit him at a banquet which he 
had ordered to be prepared, and to which he had invited 
his lady friends, promising that they should upon that 



54 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

occasion behold the captured marquis, whose fame, for- 
tune, youth, and chivalry had long engaged their atten- 
tion and excited their deepest curiosity, and caused them 
eagerly to desire a sight of this young nobleman. 

But Sir William Howe and his fair Tory friends reck- 
oned without their host. Though the marquis was 
scarcely twenty-one, he was not so easily outwitted by 
even such a military tactician as the renowned British 
commander. He also heard of this fine plan to entrap 
him, and determined by a hazardous and brilliant man- 
oeuvre to elude his foe. There was but one method 
practicable, but it required great daring and cunning. 
La Fayette was convinced that he must recross the 
river. To attempt this seemed destruction; but his 
inventive wit and quick planning came to his rescue. 
He would feign an attack, himself lead a portion of his 
band boldly against the British general, who had been 
y^ stationed by Howe to guard the ford. This he did, 
meauAvhile ordering the remainder of his men to cross 
the river under cover of this stratagem. The plan was 
entirely su.ccessful. The British, imagining that La 
Fayette's whole division was coming against them, halted 
and prepared for battle. This delay was La Fayette's 
opportunity ; perceiving that part of his troops had 
crossed the river, according to directions, he slowly 
withdrew his own forces, and ere his enemies were aware, 
his entire band had arrived on the other side of the river ; 
and when the British reached Barren Hill, La Fayette's 
late camp, their intended prey had escaped and were 
marching towards Valley Forge. 

" Finding the bird flown, the English returned to Phil- 
adelphia, spent Avith fatigue and ashamed of having done 
nothing. The ladies did not see M. de La Fayette, and 
General Howe himself arrived too late for supper." 



THE KXIGIIT OF LIBERTY. 55 

General AVasliington had watched through a glass the 
imminent peril which threatened the marquis ; and when 
he clasped him in his arms, his heart was stirred, and 
his eyes glistened with deep feeling. Loud acclama- 
tions saluted the gallant band of soldiers, and their 
young leader became only second in their hearts to Wash- 
ington. From that moment the influence of ^I^a Fayette 
was unlimited. His youth uiade his exploit all the more 
remarkable, and his courage won their profoundest ad- 
miration. 

M. Chastellux, in his work entitled "Journey from 
Newport to Philadelphia," thus Avrote of La Fayette's 
influence in the army : " We availed ourselves of the 
cessation of the rain to accompany his Excellency [Gen- 
eral Washington] to the camp of the marquis [General 
La Fayette]. We found all his troops ranged in line of 
battle on the heights to the left, and himself at their 
head, expressing both by his deportment and physiog- 
nomy that he preferred seeing me there to receiving me 
at his estate in Auvergne. The confidence and attach- 
ment of his troops are most precious in his eyes ; for he 
looks upon that species of wealth as one of which he 
cannot be deprived. But what I find still more flatter- 
ing to a young man of his age, is the influence which he 
has acquired in political as well as in military circles. 
I have no fear of being contradicted when I assert that 
mere letters from him have often had more influence in 
some of the states of the Union than the strongest in- 
vitations on the part of the Congress. On seeing him it 
is diflicult to determine which is the more surprising 
circumstance, that a young man should have already 
given so many proofs of talent, or that a man so proved 
should still leave so much room for hope. Happy will 
his country be if she knows how to avail herself of his 



56 THE LIFE 0^ LA FAYETTE, 

aid ; and happier still, should that aid become superflu- 
ous to her ! " 

But just as the welcome words of commendation from 
his beloved chief fell upon the ear of La Fayette, sad 
tidings were wafted to him from over the sea. The 
darling little Henriette, who had not yet learned to lisp 
her father's name when he parted with her, but since 
then had tried with baby prattle to tell her love for her 
clier papa, had been stricken down; the infant tongue 
had been silenced, the wondering eyes closed, and the 
devoted father must Avait until he too x^assed beyond 
life's river, to be recognized by his much-loved Henriette. 

With sorrowful heart he pens these touching lines to 
his idolized wife : — 

" What a dreadful thing is absence ! I never expe- 
rienced before all the horrors of separation. My own 
deep sorrow is aggravated by the feeling that I am not 
able to share and sympathize in your anguish. The 
length of time that elapsed before I heard of this 
event also increased my misery. Consider, my love, 
what a dreadful thing it must be to weep for what I have 
lost, and tremble for what remains. The distance be- 
tween Europe and America appears to me more enormous 
than ever. The loss of our poor child is almost constantly 
in my thoughts. This sad news followed almost imme- 
diately that of the treaty ; and while my heart was torn 
by grief, I was obliged to receive and take part in expres- 
sions of public joy. 

"If the unfortunate news had reached me sooner, I 
should have set out immediately to rejoin you ; but the 
account of the treaty, which we received the first of 
May, prevented me from leaving this country. The 
opening campaign does not allow me to retire. I have 
always been perfectly convinced that by serving the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. ol 

cause of humanity and that of America I serve also the 
interests of France. 

" Embrace a million times our little Anastasie ; alas ! 
she is all that we have left. I feel that my divided 
tenderness is now concentrated upon her. Take the best 
care of her. Adieu ! " 



58 THE LIFE (TF LA FAYETTE, 



CHAPTER III. 

Battle of Monmouth — General Lee's Seeming Treachery — Wash- 
ington on the Field — La Fayette's Coolness in the Face of Dan- 
ger — An Incident of the Battle — Arrival of the French Fleet — 
La Fayette's Sagacity in Negotiations — Resolution of Congress 
commending him — Letter from the President of Congress — 
La Fayette's Reply — La Fayette's Letter to Washington — 
Washington's Affectionate Answer — La Fayette solicits Leave 
of Absence to return to France — Washington's Letter to Con- 
gress — La Fayette's Letter to the President of Congress — Con- 
gress grants the Request — La Fayette's Illness — Anxiety 
regarding him displayed by Washington and the Army — His 
Recovery — A Visitor describes his Appearance — Letter to 
Washington from on Board the Alliance — Dangers at Sea — La 
Fayette's Arrival in France — Virginie La Fayette describes the 
Joy occasioned by the Return of her Father — La Fayette's 
Letter to President Laurens — Sword presented to La Fayette 
by Congress — La Fayette's Efforts in France in Behalf of 
America — La Fayette returns to America — His Note to Wash- 
ington announcing his Arrival — His Reception in Boston — 
Congress renders Thanks to the Young Marquis — Discourage- 
ments in the Army — Treachery of Benedict Arnold — La Fay- 
ette's Letter regarding the Plot — La Fayette's Letter to his 
Wife — Appointed to the Command of the Virginia Troops — 
Discouraging Difficulties — La Fayette's Undaunted Persever- 
ance — His Politic Measures — La Fayette describes his Posi- 
tion to Washington — La Fayette's Refusal to hold Commu- 
nication with Arnold — Washington's Commendation — Lord 
Cornwallis assumes Command of the English Army — His Con- 
tempt for the Youthful Marquis — His Opinion concerning the 
"Boy" — The Despised "Boy's" Unexpected Stratagem — Brisk 
Skirmish — La Fayette's Commendation of General Wayne — 
The Marquis outwits ^ Cornwallis by Means of a Spy — La 
Fayette's Letter to Washington — Arrival of the French Fleet — 



THE KNWHT OF LIBERTY. 59 

Cornwallis Entrapped — Loyalty of La Fayette — Arrival of 
Washington and Rochambeau — Siege of Yorktown — Capitula- 
tion of the English — Surrender of Cornwallis — Public Rejoic- 
ing — Letter from La Fayette to M. de Maurepas — Also to M. 
de Vergennes — La Fayette's Letter to his Wife — His Return 
to France — Virginie La Fayette describes the Home Picture — 
Letter to Washington from La Fayette. 

" Liberty's in every blow ! 
Let us do or die." — Burns. 

ON Sunday, the 28tli of June, 1778, the battle of 
Monmouth was fought. General Lee, who com- 
manded the troops first in action, with seeming treachery 
ordered a retreat ; and though La Fayette endeavored to 
stem the tide of defeat, a total rout seemed certain, when 
Washington rode upon the field, and seeing his orders 
had been disobeyed, he accosted Lee with cutting sever- 
ity, and gave instant commands to turn about. ^^ Long 
live Washington ! " rang the shout along the ranks, and 
the white charger, bearing the chieftain, was looked upon 
as a herald of victory. The irresistible genius of that 
quiet man turned back the tide of war, and forced the 
British to retreat, and night alone prevented the Ameri- 
cans from pushing on to a further attack. Everywhere 
had La Fayette been seen encouraging his men. Where 
the greatest danger was, there was always his place. 
With the utmost coolness he gave orders or obeyed the 
directions of his chief. Colonel Willet, who had volun- 
teered as an aide to General Scott, who commanded the 
infantry, says that in the hottest of the fight he saw La 
Fayette ride up, and in a voice cool, steady, and slow, 
and with as much deliberation as if nothing exciting pre- 
vailed, said : " General, the enemy is making an attempt 
to cut off our right wing — march to its assistance with 



60 THE LIFE or LA FAYETTE, 

all your force." So saying, he galloped off, being exceed- 
ingly well mounted, though plainly dressed. 

An officer under the immediate command of La Fay- 
ette said of him at this battle : " I have been charmed 
with the blooming gallantry and sagacity of the Mar- 
quis de La Fayette, who api^ears to be ]30ssessed of every 
requisite to constitute a great general." 

In the ''Historical Anecdotes of the Reign of Louis 
XVI.," an incident of this battle is related as follows : — 

" During the American war a general officer in the ser- 
vice of the United States advanced with a score of men, 
under the English batteries, to reconnoitre their j^osition. 

"His aide-de-camp, struck by a ball, fell at his side,. while 
the officers and orderly dragoons fled precipitately. The 
general, though under the fire of the cannon, approached 
the wounded man to see whether he had any signs of 
life remaining, or whether any assistance could be afforded 
him. Finding the Avound had been mortal, he turned his 
eyes away with emotion, and slowly rejoined the group 
which had gotten out of the reach of the pieces. This 
instance of courage and humanity took place at the bat- 
tle of Monmouth. General Clinton, who commanded the 
English troops, knew that the Marquis de La Fayette 
usually rode a white horse ; and it was upon a white 
horse that the general officer who retired so slowly was 
mounted. Sir Henr}^ Clinton, therefore, commanded the 
gunners not to fire. This noble forbearance probably 
saved General La Fayette's life. At that time he was 
but tAventy-two years of age." 

During the summer of 1778 an expedition against 
Xewport, then held by the British, was planned. A 
French fleet under Count d'Estaing had arrived. The 
plan was to move against Newport by land and sea. 
When all was arranged, the Count d'Estaing for some 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 61 

reason changed his purpose, and the expedition was nec- 
essarily abandoned. In the negotiations La Eayette dis- 
played much zeal, and hearing that the American army 
was flying before the enemy, he immediately started for 
the scene, and by his intrepid courage turned the tide of 
pursuit, and brought back the troops without the loss of 
a man. This brave conduct of La Fayette met with uni- 
versal commendation, and in his honor Congress passed 
the following resolution : — 

" Resolved, That Mr. President be requested to inform the 
Marquis de La Fayette that Congress have a due sense of the 
sacrifice he made of his personal feelings in undertaking a jour- 
ney to Boston, with a view of promoting the interests of these 
states, at a time when an occasion was daily expected of his 
acquiring glory in the field, and that his gallantry in going on 
to Rhode Island, when the greatest part of the army had re- 
treated, and his good conduct in bringing off the pickets and 
out-sentinels, deserve their particular approbation." 

Mr. Laurens, who was then President of Congress, 
accompanied this resolution with the following letter : — 

"Philadelphia, Sept. 18, 1778. 

"Sir: I experience a high degree of satisfaction in 
fulfilling the instructions embraced in the enclosed act 
of Congress of the ninth instant, which expresses the 
sentiments of the representatives of the United States of 
America, relative to your excellent conduct during the 
expedition recently undertaken against Ehode Island. 
Keceive, Sir, this testimonial on the part of Congress as 
a tribute of the respect and gratitude offered to you by 
a free people. 

" I have the honor to be with very great respect and 
esteem. Sir, your obedient and most humble servant, 

"Henry Laurens, President. 



62 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

To these communications La Fayette replied : — 

" Camp, Sept. 23, 1778. 

"Sir: I have just received the letter of the 13th 
instant with which you have favored me, and in which 
you communicate the honor which Congress has been 
pleased to confer by the adoption of its flattering resolu- 
tion. Whatever sentiments of pride may be reasonably 
excited by such marks of approbation, I am not the less 
sensible of the feelings of gratitude, nor of the satisfac- 
tion of believing that my efforts have, in some measure, 
been considered as useful to a cause in which my heart 
is so deeply interested. Have the goodness, Sir, to pre- 
sent to Congress my unfeigned and humble thanks, 
springing from the bottom of my heart, and accompanied 
with the assurances of my sincere and perfect attach- 
ment, as the only homage worthy of being offered to the 
representatives of a free people. 

"From the moment that I first heard the name of 
America, I loved her; from the moment that I learned 
her struggles for liberty, I was inflamed with the desire 
of shedding my blood in her cause ; and the moments 
that may be expended in her service, whenever they may 
occur, or in whatever part of the world I may be, shall 
be considered as the happiest of my existence. I feel 
more ardently than ever the desire of deserving the obli- 
ging sentiments with which I am honored by the United 
States and by their representatives, and the flattering 
confidence which they have been pleased to repose in me 
has filled my heart with the liveliest gratitude and most 
lasting affection." 

La Fayette's youthful enthusiasm and his love of his 
country were both so^-intense that his first impulse was 
to resent any national slight as a personal affront. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 63 

La Fayette wanted to send a challenge, in 1778, to 
Lord Carlisle, an Englisli commissioner, who, in a letter 
to the American Congress, had in his opinion used a 
phrase insulting to France. Washington at once wrote 
to him disapproving the challenge. 

"The generous spirit of chivalry," he said, "when 
banished from the rest of the world has taken refuge, 
my dear friend, in the highly wrought feelings of your 
nation. But you cannot do anything if the other party 
will not second you ; and though these feelings may have 
been suitable to the times to which they belonged, it is 
to be feared that in our day your adversary, taking shel- 
ter behind modern opinions and his public character, 
may even slightly ridicule so old-fashioned a virtue. Be- 
sides, even supposing his lordship should accept your 
challenge, experience has proved that chance, far more 
than bravery or justice, decides in such affairs. I there- 
fore should be very unwilling to risk, on this occasion, a 
life which ought to be reserved for greater things. I 
trust that his Excellency, Admiral the Count d'Estaing, 
will agree with me in this opinion, and that so soon as 
he can part with you, he will send you to headquarters, 
where I shall be truly glad to welcome you." 
• The English commissioner, as Washington had antici- 
pated, declined the challenge upon public grounds, add- 
ing : " In my opinion such national disputes may be best 
settled by the fleets under Admiral Byron and the Count 
d'Estaing." 

About this time La Fayette wrote from his camp to 
Washington, as follows : — 

"Give me joy, my dear G-eneral: I intend to have 
your picture. Mr. Hancock has promised me a copy 
of the one he has in Boston. He gave one to Count 
d'Estaing, and I never saw a man so glad at possessing 



64 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

his sweetheart's picture as the admiral was to receive 
yours." 

To these fond words Washington thus replied : — 

"The sentiments of affection and attachment which 
breathe so conspicuously in all your letters to me are at 
once pleasing and honorable, and afford me abundant 
cause to rejoice at the happiness of my acquaintance 
with you. Your love of liberty, the just sense you 
entertain of this valuable blessing, and your noble and 
disinterested exertions in the cause of it, added to the 
innate goodness of your heart, conspire to render you 
dear to me ; and I think myself happy in being linked 
with you in bonds of the strictest friendship. 

" The ardent zeal Avhich you have displayed during the 
whole course of the campaign to the eastward, and your 
endeavors to cherish harmony among the officers of the 
allied powers, and to dispel those unfavorable impressions 
which had begun to take place in the minds of the un- 
thinking, from misfortunes which the utmost stretch of 
human foresight could not avert, deserved, and now 
receive, my particular and warmest thanks. 

" Could I have conceived that my picture had been an 
object of your wishes, or in the smallest degree worthy 
of your attention, I should, while Mr. Peale was in camp 
at Valley Forge, have got him to take the best i^ortrait 
of me he could, and presented it to you; but I really 
had not so good an opinion of my own worth as to sup- 
pose that such a compliment would not have been con- 
sidered as a greater instance of my vanity, than means 
of your gratification ; and therefore, when you requested 
me to sit to Monsieur Lanfang, I thought it was only to 
obtain the outlines and a few shades of my features, to 
have some prints struck from." 

Eeports now reached La Fayette that the French min- 



THE KmOIIT OF LIBERTY. 65 

istry were planning an attack upon England ; whereupon 
he wrote to the Duke d'Ayen : — 

" I should consider myself as almost dishonored if I were 
not present at such a moment. I should feel so much 
regret and shame, that I should be tempted to drown or 
hang myself, according to the English mode. My greatest 
happiness would be to drive them from this country, and 
then to repair to England, serving under your com- 
mand." 

Feeling that his presence was now required in France, 
and that he could there best serve America, La Fayette 
solicited from Congress a leave of absence, that he might 
return to his own country. General Washington sent 
the following letter to the President of Congress by 
La Fayette : — 

" Headquarters, Oct. 6, 1778. 

" Sir : This letter will be presented to you by Major- 
General La Fayette. The generous motives which for- 
merly induced him to cross the ocean, and serve in the 
armies of the United States are known to Congress. 
The same praiseworthy reasons now urge him to return 
to his native country, which under the existing circum- 
stances has a claim to his services. 

" However anxious he was to fulfil the duty which he 
owes to his king and country, that powerful consideration 
could not induce him to leave this continent while the fate 
of the campaign remains undecided. He is, therefore, de- 
termined to remain until the termination of the present 
campaign, and takes advantage of the present cessation 
from hostilities to communicate his designs to Congress, 
so that the necessary arrangements may be made at a 
convenient season, while he is at hand, if occasion should 
offer, to distinguish himself ni the army. 

"At the same time, the marquis, being desirous of 



66 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

preserving his connection with this conntry, and hoping 
that he may enjoy opportunities of being useful to it as 
an American officer, only solicits leave of absence, for the 
purpose of embracing the views which have been already 
suggested. The pain which it costs me to separate from 
an officer who possesses all the military fire of youth, 
with a rare maturity of judgment, would lead me, if the 
choice depended on my Avishes, to place his absence on 
the footing which he proposes. I shall always esteem it 
a pleasure to be able to give those testimonials of his 
service to which they are entitled, from the bravery and 
conduct which have distinguished him on every occasion ; 
and I do not doubt that Congress Avill, in a proper man- 
ner, express how sensibly they appreciate his merits and 
how much they regret his departure. I have the honor 

to be, etc., 

" George Washington." 

La Fayette proceeded to Philadelphia, bearing this 
letter from Washington. Having arrived there, he at 
once addressed the following letter to the President of 
Congress : — 

" Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1778. 

" Sir : However attentive I ought to be not to employ 
the precious moments of Congress in the consideration of 
private affairs, I beg leave, with that confidence which 
naturally springs from affection and gratitude, to unfold 
to them the circumstances m which I am at present situ- 
ated. It is impossible to speak more appropriately of the 
sentiments which attach me to my own country than in 
the presence of citizens who have done so much for their 
own. So long as I have had the power of regulating my 
own actions, it has beeft my pride and pleasure to fight 
beneath the banners of America in the* defence of a cause 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 67 

which I may dare more particularly to call ours, as I 
have shed my blood in its support. 

"Now, Sir, that France is engaged in war, I am urged, 
both by duty and patriotism, to present myself before 
my sovereign, to know in what manner he may be 
pleased to employ my services. The most pleasing ser- 
vice that I can render will be that which enables me to 
serve the common cause among those whose friendships 
I have had the happiness to obtain, and in whose for- 
tunes I participated when your prospects were less 
bright than they now are. This motive, together with 
others which Congress will appreciate, induce me to 
request permission to return to my own country in the 
ensuing winter. So long as a hope remained of an active 
campaign, I never indulged the idea of leaving the army, 
but the present state of peace and inaction leads me to' 
prefer to Congress this petition. If it should be pleased 
to grant my request, the arrangements for my departure 
shall be taken in such a manner that the result of the 
campaign shall be known before they are put into execu- 
tion. I enclose a letter from his Excellency, General 
Washington, consenting to the leave of absence which I 
wish to obtain. I flatter myself that you will consider 
me as a soldier on leave of absence, ardently wishing to 
rejoin his colors as well as his beloved comrades. If, 
when I return to the midst of my fellow-citizens, it is 
believed that I can, in any manner, promote the pros- 
perity of America, if my most strenuous exertions can 
promise any useful results, I trust. Sir, that I shall 
always be considered as the man who has the pros- 
perity of the United States most at heart, and who 
entertains for their representatives the most perfect love 
and esteem. I have the honor to be, etc., 

"La Fayette." 



68 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Congress readily granted this request, and after direct- 
ing that a letter should be written to La Fayette thank- 
ing him for his disinterested zeal and the services which 
he had rendered to the United States, Congress passed 
the resolution that : " The Minister Plenipotentiary of 
the United States of America at the court of Versailles 
be directed to cause an elegant sword, with proper de- 
vices, to be made and i^resented in the name of the 
United States to the Marquis de La Fayette." 

AVhile La Fayette was making his preparations to 
return to France, he was stricken down by a violent 
fever which for a time threatened to be fatal. The 
entire army displayed the most intense interest regard- 
ing his state, and great was the joy when the physicians 
at length announced that the marquis would recover. 
General Washington visited him daily at Fishkill, where 
he was taken sick, and paid him every kind and ten- 
der attention in his power. During La Fayette's con- 
valescence a gentleman visited him, who thus describes 
his appearance at that time : — 

" By the request of. Colonel Gibson I waited on the 
Marquis de La Fayette. The Colonel furnished me with 
a letter of introduction, and his compliments, with in- 
quiries respecting the Marquis' health. I was received 
by this nobleman in a polite and affable manner. He 
is just recovering from a fever, and is in his chair of 
convalescence. He is nearly six fe&t high, large, but 
not corpulent, being not more than twenty-two years of 
age. He is not very elegant in his form, his shoulders 
being broad and high, nor is there a perfect symmetry in 
his features ; his forehead is remarkably high, his nose 
large and long, eyebrows prominent and projecting over 
a fine animated hazel eye. His countenance is interest- 
ing and impressive. He converses in broken English, 



THE KIS'WHT OF LIBERTY. 69 

and displays tli3 manners and address of an accomplished 
gentleman." 

A vessel called the AlUcmce had been furnished La 
Fayette for his voyage to France. On January 11, 
1779, he penned these farewell lines to Washington, 
written on board the Alliance: — 

"Farewell, my dear General. I hope your French 
friend will ever be dear to you. I hope I shall soon see 
you again, and tell you myself with what emotion I now 
leave the coast you inhabit, and with what affection and 
respect I am forever, my dear General, your respectful 
and sincere friend, La Fayette.'' 

But notwithstanding the face of the young marquis 
was thus set homeward, it was not all smooth sailing. 
Terrible storms tossed the little vessel to and fro, and 
for a time it seemed as though the huge waves would 
engulf the frigate. The main top-mast was blown away, 
the vessel rolled upon the heavy swells, apparently at the 
mercy of the tempest, while the dashing billows broke 
over the dismantled craft, which was soon half filled 
with water, and seemed doomed to destruction. 

But the darkness of the stormy night was followed 
by the radiance of a calm and lovely morning. The 
golden sunshine flooded the surface of the ocean, and 
the Alliance sailed safely on her homeward way. But 
storms were not the only dangers which beset the path 
of La Fayette. A mutinous plot was formed among the 
sailors, and only the promptness and energy of the 
marquis, in ordering the arrest of thirty-one of the 
mutineers, and placing them in irons, so awed the others 
that tranquillity was secured. 

With what inexpressible eagerness La Fayette must 
have turned to Avatcli the first glimpse of his beloved land 



70 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

— that land where dwelt his idolized wife and little babe 
whose eyes had never yet rested on its father's face. 

His fame had gone before him, and his name was 
known and spoken with pride and honor in every city 
and hamlet of his native country. La Fayette landed 
at Brest in February. 

His daughter thus describes her mother's ecstasy at 
this longed-for meeting: — 

"The intensity of my mother's joy was beyond all ex- 
pression. 

"This happiness was soon disturbed by fresh alarms 
which prevented her enjoying in peace my father's re- 
turn. A projected invasion of England detained him a 
long time on the coast. During his stay in France he 
was continually employed in preparing fresh enterprises. 
My mother's health Avas shaken at once by past anxieties 
and by the dread of future dangers. On the 24th of 
December, 1779, my brother was born." 

This brother of Virginie La Fayette was named George 
Washington La Fayette, in honor of his father's revered 
friend. The expedition against England was, however, 
abandoned ; and La Fayette turned his attention to for- 
warding the interests of America, by soliciting for her 
army assistance in men, money, and clothing. So earn- 
est was his zeal that he offered to pledge his entire for- 
tune in the cause of the Republic. He wrote as follows 
to President Laurens : — 

" The affairs of America I shall ever look upon as my 
first business while I am in Europe. Any confidence 
from the king and ministers, any popularity I may have 
among my own countrymen, any means in my power, 
shall be, to the best of my skill, and to the end of my 
life, exerted in behalf of an interest I have so much at 
heart. If Congress believe that my influence may serve 



TBE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 71 

them ill any way, I beg they will direct such orders to 
iiie, that I may the more certainly and properly employ 
the knowledge which I have of this court and country 
for obtaining a success in which my heart is so much 
interested. 

" The flattering affection with which Congress and the 
American nation are pleased to honor me, makes me 
very desirous of letting them know — if I dare speak 
so frankly — how I enjoyed my private position. Happy 
in the sight of my friends and family, after I was by 
your attentive kindness safely brought again to my 
native shore, I met with such an honorable reception, 
and such kind sentiments as far exceeded any wishes I 
could have conceived. I am indebted for that inexpres- 
sible satisfaction which the good will of my countrymen 
towards me affords to my heart, to their ardent love for 
America, to the cause of freedom and its defenders, their 
new allies, and to the idea which they entertain, that I 
have had the happiness to serve the United States. To 
these motives. Sir, and to the letter Congress was pleased 
to write on my account, I owe the many favors the king 
has conferred upon me. AVithout delay I was aj^pointed 
to the command of his own regiment of dragoons, and 
everything he could have done, everything I could have 
wished, I have received on account of your kind recom- 
mendations." 

The sword which Congress had voted should be pre- 
sented to him was finished in August. It was of very 
elegant workmanship. Among other elaborate designs 
with which it was ornamented were representations of 
the battle of Gloucester, the retreat of Barren Hill, the 
battle of Monmouth, and the retreat of Ehode Island. 
The sword was presented to the Marquis de La Fayette 
by a grandson of Dr. Franklin, accompanied by a letter 



72 THE LIFE (fF LA FAYETTE, 

written b}^ Benjamin Franklin, in which he said, "By 
the help of the exqnisite artists France affords, I find it 
easy to express everything bnt the sense ive have of your 
worth and our obligations to you.'" 

So enthusiastic were La Fayette's efforts in behalf of 
America, and such was his perseverance, that the prime 
minister of France exclaimed in astonishment, " He would 
unfurnish the palace of Versailles to clothe the Ameri- 
can army ! " to which La Fayette, eagerly responded, " / 
would ! " 

At length La Fayette received the welcome tidings 
that the king and ministry had at last acceded to his 
repeated requests ; and he was instructed " to proceed 
immediately to join General Washington, and to com- 
municate to him the secret that the king, Avilling to give 
the United States a new proof of his affection and of 
his interest in their security, is resolved to send to their 
aid, at the opening of the spring, six vessels of the line 
and six thousand regular troops of infantry." 

On the 19th of March, 1780, La Fayette sailed from 
France to bear to America this joyful news ; and at the 
entrance of Boston harbor he wrote these words of greet- 
ing to Washington, and despatched them by a messenger 
to announce his arrival : — 

"Here I am, my dear General, and in the midst of 
the joy I feel in finding myself again one of your loving 
soldiers, I take but the time to tell you that I came 
from France on board a frigate which the king gave me 
for my passage. I have affairs of the utmost importance, 
which I should at first communicate to you alone. In 
case my letter finds you anywhere this side of Philadel- 
phia, I beg you will wait for me, and do assure you a 
great public good ma^ be derived from it. To-morrow 
we go up to the town, and the day after I shall set off in 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 73 

ni}' usual way to join my beloved and respected friend 
and general." 

When La Fayette landed in Boston he was received 
with marked attention. The day was given up to pub- 
lic rejoicing ; bells were rung, cannon boomed, and the 
shouts of the cheering multitude, mingled with the 
strains of martial music, as America paid homage to her 
adopted son. But these public honors, gratifying as 
they were, could not detain the faithful young hero, 
whose first desire was to clasp to his heart the form of 
his adopted father and to look into the face of his be- 
loved general. Perhaps nowhere else in history is another 
instance of such peculiar love and lasting friendship as 
was displayed by La Fayette and Washington. The 
young knight bowed at the feet of his chief, regarding 
him as something almost more than mortal in the per- 
fection of his character and the attraction of his nature ; 
while the general, upon whose shoulders rested the re- 
sponsibility of a nation, felt his heart lightened and his 
soul comforted by the sympathy and appreciation of this 
self-sacrificing young marquis. 

Congress was not tardy now in rendering appropriate 
thanks to the young marquis, and passed a resolution in 
his honor. But Congress was not so ready to come to 
the help of the suffering American army. Washington 
again made an appeal in their behalf. "For the troops 
to be without clothing at any time," he wrote, " is highly 
injurious to the service and distressing to our feelings ; 
l)ut the want will be more peculiarly mortifying when 
they come to act Avith those of our allies." 

La Fayette, as usual, started a relief fund from his 
private purse, offering the ladies of Philadelphia, who 
were making donations in aid of the suffering troops, 
one hundred guineas in the name of Madame La Fayette. 



74 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Amid innumerable discouragements Washington pre- 
pared for the coming campaign. It was not until July 
that the long-expected French fleet arrived, and then 
only part of the promised assistance. Five thousand 
five hundred men were sent, leaving two thousand, with 
all the, arms, munitions of war, and clothing promised 
to La Fayette, to follow later. The intention of the 
American army had been to unite with the French 
allies in an attack upon New York. But the second 
part of the French fleet was blockaded in the port of 
Brest by a British squadron, thus disconcerting all the 
plans of the allies. The immediate attack upon New 
York was accordingly abandoned. 

It was in September of this year, 1780, that the 
treachery of Benedict Arnold Avas consummated. Wash- 
ington had, at the earnest solicitation of La Fayette, 
left the camp to meet with Count de Eochambeau, 
the leader of the French forces, and the Chevalier de 
Ternay, the admiral of the French fleet. This impor- 
tant interview had been arranged to take place at Hart- 
ford, Conn. It was during the absence of Washington 
that the traitor Arnold carried into execution his infa- 
mous plot. La Fayette thus describes his discovery of 
the nefarious deed, in a letter to the Chevalier de la 
Luzerne : — 

" When I parted from you yesterday, Sir, to come and 
breakfast here with General Arnold, we were far from 
foreseeing the event which I am now going to relate to 
you. You will shudder at the danger to which we were 
exposed ; you will admire the miraculous chain of unex- 
pected events and singular chances which have saved 
us ; but you will be still more astonished when you learn 
by what instrument this conspiracy has been formed. 
West Point was sold, — and sold by Arnold, — the same 




IR (Q) V mA^lBMAJa 



THE KXWHT OF LIBERTY. 75 

man who formerly acquired glory by rendering such im- 
mense services to 'his countiy. He had lately entered 
in a horrible compact with the enemy and but for the 
accident which brought us here at a certain hour, but 
for the combination of chances that threw the adjutant- 
general of the British army into the hands of some 
peasants, beyond the limits of our stations, at West 
Point and on the North Eiver, they would both at pres- 
ent, in all probability, be in the possession of the enemy. 

"When we set out yesterday for Fishkill, we were 
preceded by one of my aides-de-camp and one of General 
Washington's [Colonels Hamilton and McHenry], who 
found General Arnold and his wife at breakfast, and sat 
down at the table with them. While they were together, 
two letters were given to Arnold , which apprised him 
of the arrest of the spy. He ordered a horse to be sad- 
dled, went into his wife's room to tell her he was ruined, 
and desired his aide-de-camp to inform General Washing- 
ton that he was going to West Point, and would return 
in the course of an hour. 

" On our arrival here we crossed the river and went to 
examine the works. You may conceive our astonish- 
ment when we learned, on our return, that the arrested 
spy was Major Andre, adjutant-general of the English 
army ; and when among his papers were discovered the 
copy of an important council of war, the state of the gar- 
rison and works, and observations upon various means of 
attack and defence, the whole in Arnold's own hand- 
writing. 

" The adjutant-general wrote also to the general 
avowing his name and situation. Orders were sent to 
arrest Arnold ; but he escaped in a boat, got on board 
the English frigate, the Vulture, and as no person sus- 
pected his flight, he was not stopped at any post. Colonel 



^ 



76 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Hamilton, who had gone in pursuit of him, received soon 
after, by a flag of truce, a letter from Arnold to the gen- 
eral, in which he entered into details to justify his 
treachery, and a letter from the English commander, 
Robertson, who, in a very insolent manner, demanded 
that the adjutant-general should be delivered up to 
them, as he had only acted with the permission of Gen- 
eral Arnold." 

La Fayette was one of the fourteen generals who tried 
Major Andre, and who were forced to the painful decis- 
ion that the interests of America demanded that he 
should suffer the extreme penalty of the law, as a spy, 
which was death by hanging. Washington would have 
been glad to exchange Andre for the traitor Arnold, that 
to him might be meted out his just deserts ; but Sir 
Henry Clinton w^ould not give up Arnold, though he 
made efforts to save Andre. Arnold's villany was after- 
wards rewarded by the commission of brigadier-general 
in the British army, and he was placed at the head of 
some English troops then ravaging the southern part of 
Virginia. His malignant spirit gloated in acts of atro- 
cious cruelty, and he allowed his men to pillage and de- 
stroy, sparing neither old nor young, neither w^omen nor 
children. 

La Fayette now entered upon a series of marches, 
manoeuvres, skirmishes, and strategic expeditions, which 
ended at last in the capture of Lord Cornwallis at York- 
toAvn: this was largely due to La Fayette's successive 
masterly stratagems and skilful plans. It has been said 
of La Fayette, that his name was never tarnished by a 
single military blunder. Others have displayed equal 
courage in the face of dangers, and calnniess on the field 
of battle, but his military genius consisted in a tact 
and skill in extricating an army from apparently in- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 77 

surmountable perils that would have baffled veteran 
generals well versed in the stratagems of war. 

But the untiring soldier was none the less a tender 
father and devoted husband; in the midst of prepara- 
tions for the coming campaign he snatches a moment to 
write thus fondly to his " dearest heart " : — 

" The Americans continue to testify for me the great- 
est kindness. There is no proof of affection which I do 
not receive each day from the army and nation. I expe- 
rience for the American officers and soldiers that friend- 
ship which arises from having shared with them for a 
length of time dangers, sufferings, and both good and 
evil fortune. We began by struggling together, for our 
affairs have often been at the lowest possible ebb. It 
is gratifying to me to crown this work with them by 
giving the European troops a high idea of the soldiers 
who have been allied with us. To all these motives of 
interest for the cause and the army are joined my senti- 
ments of regard for General Washington. 

'" Embrace our children a thousand and a thousand 
times for me. Their father, although a wanderer, is not 
less tender, nor less constantly occupied with them, and 
not less happy at receiving news from them. My heart 
dwells with peculiar delight on the moment when those 
dear children will be presented to me by you, and when 
we can embrace and caress them together." 

Having sent this loving message across the sea, the 
young knight-errant entered upon another campaign in 
defence of liberty. Sir Henry Clinton had sent out two 
thousand men under General Phillips to re-enforce Ar- 
nold in Virginia. Learning this, Washington despatched 
La Eayette to Virginia, to take command of the troops 
there collecting, and to prevent, if possible, any junction 
of Phillips with Cornwallis. The marquis was only too 



78 THE LIFE OF' LA FAYETTE, 

eager for active duty, and took up his line of niarcli 
with the troops previously under his charge, for Balti- 
more. But these northern soldiers soon began to ex- 
press their dissatisfaction with such an expedition. 
They were without tents, shoes, hats, and, as the mar- 
quis said, " in a state of shocking nakedness '"' ; and they 
refused to continue this unlooked-for march. To render 
his condition still more distressing, La Fayette was in- 
formed by the Board of War that they Avere utterly 
unable to render his troops any aid. 

La Fayette's nature seemed rather to be nerved by 
obstacles to greater strength and superior judgment 
than weakened and discouraged. A perplexing di- 
lemma was often his greatest opportunity. Washington 
could not aid him, the Board of War announced them- 
selves powerless ; and La Fayette was left to face his 
overwhelming perplexities alone. 

He boldly issued an order to his troops, in which he 
sympathized with their hardships, and frankly told them 
that he was about to enter upon an enterprise, of great 
difficulty and danger, and expressed his confidence that 
his soldiers Avould join him in the hazardous expedition. 
But if any should be unwilling to accompany him, he 
assured them that a free permit would be given them to 
join their corps in the North, and that by applying to 
him, they could be saved from the crime and disgrace of 
desertion. Not a man after that left the heroic band, 
and a lame sergeant hired a place in a cart that he 
might keep up with the army. 
"X, Arriving at Baltimore, La Fayette borrov/ed upon his 
personal credit ten thousand dollars, which he immedi- 
ately appropriated to supplying the needs of his soldiers. 
He wrote to General Greene thus : — 

" As our brave and excellent men are shockins^lv desti- 



THE KJSKIUT OF LIBERTY. 79 

tute of linen, I have borrowed from the merchants nf 
Baltimore a snm on my credit which will amount 
about two thousand pounds, and will procure lu 
shoes, blankets, and a pair of linen overalls to ei . 
man. I hope to set the Baltimore ladies at work up .. 
the shirts, which will be sent after me, and the overa ' '■ 
will be made by our tailors. I will use my influence < 
have the money added to the loan which the Frer. 
court have made to the United States, and in case I can- 
not succeed, bind myself to the merchants for payment, 
with interest, in two years." 

Most willingly did the ladies of Baltimore give their 
aid in preparing garments for the troops, and La Fayette 
proceeded with his division tow^ards Virginia. Phillips 
and Arnold had separated their forces for a time, that 
they might better carry on their work of pillaging; 
but in April they reunited their divisions, and planned 
an attack upon Richmond. 

But the vigilant marquis was before them ; marching 
with great celerity, he entered and took possession of 
the city, and was there joined by Baron Steuben, with 
his corps of regular troops, and by G-eneral Nelson, with 
a band of Virginia militia. The chagrin of the British 
was intense when they discovered that they had been 
outwitted by La Fayette and that he had gained this 
im})ortant post. 

La Fayette thus describes to Washington his position 
at this time : — 

" When General Phillips retreated from Bichmond, his 
project was to stop at Williamsburg, there to collect con- 
tributions which he had imposed. This induced me to 
take a position between Pamunkey and Chickahominy 
rivers, which equally covered Bichmond and some other 
interesting parts of the state, and from where I detached 



80 THE LIFE Op LA FAYETTE, 

General ISTelsoii Avitli some militia towards AVilliamsburg. 
Having got as low down as that place, General Phillips 
seemed to discover an intention to make a landing, but 
upon advices received by a vessel from Portsmouth, the 
enemy weighed anchor, and, with all the sail they could 
crowd, hastened up the river. 

" This intelligence made me apprehensive that the enemy 
intended to manoeuvre me out of Richmond, where I re- 
turned immediately, and again collected our small force. 
Intelligence was the same day received that Lord Corn- 
wallis — who, I had been assured, had embarked at Wil- 
mington — was marching through North Carolina. This 
was confirmed by the landing of General Phillips at 
Brandon, south side of James River. 

'' Apprehending that both armies would meet at a cen- 
tral point, I marched towards Petersburg, and intended 
to have established a communication over Appomattox 
and James rivers ; but on the 9th General Phillips took 
possession of Petersburg, a place where, his right flank 
being covered by James River, his front by Appomattox, 
on which the brigades had been destroyed in the first 
part of the invasion, and his left not being open to assault 
except by a long circuit through fords that at this season 
are very uncertain, I could not — even with an equal force 
— have got any chance of fighting him unless I had given 
up this side of James River and the country from which 
re-enforcements are expected. It being the enemy's choice 
to force us to an action, while their own position insured 
them against our enterprises, I thought it proper to shift 
this situation, and marched the greater part of our troops 
to this place [Welton], about ten miles below Richmond. 
Letters from General Nash, General Jones, and General 
Sumner are positive a^to the arrival of Colonel Tarleton, 
and announce that of Lord Cornwallis at Halifax. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 81 

"Having received a request from North Carolina for 
ainmunition, I made a detachment of five hundred men, 
under G-eneral Muhlenburg, to escort twenty thousand 
cartridges over Appomattox, and, to divert the enemy's 
attention. Colonel Gimat, with his battalion and four field- 
pieces, commanded their position from this side of the 
river. I hope our ammunition will arrive safely, as be- 
fore General Muhlenburg returned he put it in a safe 
road with proper directions. On the 13th General 
Phillips died, and the command devolved upon General 
Arnold. General Wayne's detachment has not yet been 
heard from. Before he arrives it becomes very danger- 
ous to risk an engagement where — as the British armies 
are vastly superior to us — we shall certainly be beaten, 
and by the loss of arms, the dispersion of militia, and the 
difficulty of a junction with General Wayne, we may lose 
a less dangerous chance of resistance." 

La Fayette, meamvhile, endeavored to strengthen his 
forces, and so disciplined his troops that they became 
prepared to act with the greatest efficiency and celerity 
at a moment's notice. It was at this time that La 
Fayette received a letter from Arnold, in continuance of 
a correspondence which the marquis had opened with 
Phillips previous to his death, regarding an exchange 
of prisoners. When the letter from the infamous traitor 
was brought to him by a messenger. La Fayette refused 
to touch the document, while he assured the bearer that 
he would hold no communication whatever with its 
author, adding, " In case any other English officer should 
honor him with a letter, he would always be happy to 
give the officers every testimony of esteem." 

General Washington warmly commended this action, 
and wrote to La Fayette : " Your conduct upon every 
occasion meets my approbation, but in none more than in 
your refusing to hold correspondence with Arnold." 



82 THE LIFE OF' LA FAYETTE, 

Lord Cornwallis now assumed chief command of the 
English army. On the 24th of May Cornwallis crossed 
the James River, at the head of all his troops, and made 
his first direct advance upon La Fayette. The marquis 
had retreated to Richmond, and thus writes to Washing- 
ton : " Were I anyways equal to the enemy, I should be 
extremely happy ; but I am not strong enough even to 
get beaten. The government in this state has no energy, 
and the laws have no force ; but I hope the present As- 
sembly will put matters on a better footing. I had a 
great deal of trouble to put things in a tolerable train ; 
our expenses were enormous, and yet we can get nothing. 
Arrangements for the present would seem to put on a 
better face but for this superiority of the enemy, who 
will chase us wherever they please. They can overrun 
the country, and, until the Pennsylvanians arrive, we are 
next to nothing in point of opposition to so large a force. 
This country begins to be as familiar to me as Tappan 
and Bergen. Our soldiers are hitherto very healthy. I 
have turned doctor, and regulate their diet." 

The English looked Avitli exultation and disdain upon 
their apparently weak foe, and Lord Cornwallis wrote 
with confidence, " The hoy cannot escape me ! " But the 
despised " boy " Avas of a more heroic and irresistible na- 
ture than the proud general imagined, and Avould yet 
give him a most perplexing chase, and at length catch 
his boastful foe in so cunning a trap that all the English 
hosts could not deliver him ; and this same " boy " 
should stand by and witness his surrender. 

For some time a sort of military game of "hide-and- 
seek " Avas kept up by Lord Cornwallis and La Fayette. 
It was Cornwallis' plan to entrap him ; it was La Fayette's 
plan to elude him. The marquis moved his division with 
such unexpected celerity, that when the English general 




:3^>*?*5^, 



0(^"^^^>^iy~'^y^C^d 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 88 

thought that he had him securely hedged iu at any par- 
ticular point, he would straightway find, to his chagrin, 
that his antagonist was miles away, sometimes before 
him, sometimes behind him, now on this side, then on 
that, and on one occasion, in order to guard some valu- 
able stores at Albemarle Old Court House, La Fayette 
passed his foe in the night; and while Cornwallis sup- 
posed that he had so disposed of his force that the enemy 
must be entrapped, and smiled to himself at the easy 
manner in which the prey would fall into his hands in 
the morning, as all the roads to Albemarle Court House 
had been carefully guarded, the marquis played his own 
little strategic game, and when the day dawned, the 
proud English lord, with deep mortihcation, received 
tidings that his adversary was already before him, on 
the direct road to Albemarle, and his English lordship 
had been baffled in securing either the coveted stores or 
the more coveted American army. 

On the 6th of July occurred a brisk skirmish between 
the opposing forces. The British army were crossing 
the James River, on the march from Williamsburg to 
Portsmouth. La Fayette, thinking that the larger part 
of the troops had already crossed, ordered an attack to 
be made upon what he supposed to be the rear-guard. 
This time he had indeed fallen into one of Lord Corn- 
wallis' traps. In order to deceive the Americans, only a 
small detachment had been sent forward, and when it 
was attacked by the force under General Wayne, knowr 
as ''^Mad Antony," the little band of Americans found 
themselves facing the entire English force. La Fayette, 
who was stationed at a short distance with the main 
army, rightly conjectured, from the very heavy tiring, 
that more than a rear-guard were engaged, and sent 
assistance to Wayne, with orders to fall back. So swift 



84 THE LIFE (TE LA EAYETTE, 

had been the attack and so sudden the retreat, that 
Cornwallis suspected a snare, and did not folio w up li; 
triumpli. 

General Wayne tluis described the attack: "This \\ 
a severe conflict. Our field officers Avere generally dis- 
mounted by having their horses killed or wounded under 
them. I will not condole with the marquis for the loss 
of two of his. as he was frequently requested to keep at 
a greater distance. His natural bravery rendered him 
deaf to admonition." 

General Wayne's conduct was thus praised by La 
Fayette : " It is enough for the glory of General Wayne 
and the officers and men he commanded to have attacked 
the whole British army with a reconnoitring party onh', 
close to their encampment, and by this severe skirmish 
hastened their retreat over the river." 

Active warfare was now for a time suspended. Corn- 
wallis was intrenched at Portsmouth, and La Fayette 
occupied himself in watching his enemy with untiring 
vigilance. The marquis succeeded in having his own 
servant hired by Cornwallis as a spy, and by this means, 
as the man was always true to his first master, La Fay- 
ette was enabled to keep well posted concerning all the 
movements in the opposing encampment. 

To General Washington La Fayette thus writes : — 

"I am an entire stranger to everything that passes 
out of Virginia, and Virginia operations being for the 
present in a state of languor, I have more time to think 
of my solitude. In a word, my dear General, I am 
homesick, and if I cannot go to headquarters, wish, at 
least, to hear from thence. I am anxious to know your 
opinion concerning the Virginia campaign. That the 
subjugation of this ^state was the great object of the 
ministry is an indisputable fact. I think your diversion 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. ^o 

has been of more use to the state than my manoeuvres, 
but the Latter have been much directed by political views. 
So long as my lord wished for an action, not one gun has 
been lired; but the moment he declined it, we began 
skirmishing, though I took care never to commit the 
army. His naval superiority, his superiority of horse, 
of regulars, his thousand advantages over us, are such 
that I am lucky to have come off safe. I had an eye 
upon European negotiations, and made it a point to give 
his lordship the disgrace of a retreat. 

" From every account, it appears that a part of the 
army will embark. The light infantry, the guards, the 
80th Kegiment, and Queen's Rangers are, it is said, des- 
tined for New York. Lord Cornwallis, I am told, is 
much disappointed in his hopes of command. Should 
he go to England, we are, I think, to rejoice for it. He 
is a cold and active man, — two dangerous qualities in 
this southern war. 

" The clothing you long ago sent to the light infantry 
has not yet arrived. I have been obliged to send for it, 
and expect it in a few days. These three battalions are 
the best troops that ever took the field. My confidence 
in them is unbounded. They are far superior to any 
British troops, and none will ever venture to meet them 
in equal numbers. What a pity these men are not 
employed along with the French grenadiers ; they would 
do eternal honor to our arms ! But their presence here, 
I must confess, has saved this state, and, indeed, the 
southern part of the continent." 

Hearing that the expected French fleet was to arrive in 
Chesapeake Bay, instead of New York harbor, the con- 
templated attack upon New York was abandoned by 
Washington, and Virginia was chosen as the scene of 
action. Washington accordingly prepared for a south- 



86 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

ern iiioveiiieiit with great prudence and secrecy. Count 
de Rochambeau was in favor of the expedition, and 
readily assented to join Washington's forces with the 
French under his conimand. For a time Washington 
did not dare to make known his plans to La Fayette, 
lest his despatches should fall into the hands of the 
enemy ; but he requested La Fayette to remain in Vir- 
ginia, adding, " You will not regret this, especially when 
I tell you that, from the change of circumstances with 
which the removal of part of the enemy's forces from 
Virginia to IS^ew York will be attended, it is more than 
probable we shall also entirely change our plan of 
operations." 

This hint was sufficient for the keen-witted marquis, 
who answered : " I am of the opinion, with you, that I 
had better remain in Virginia. I have pretty well 
understood you, my dear General, but should be hapjjy 
to have more minute details, which, I am aware, cannot 
be intrusted to letters." 

La Fayette also wrote to his wife : " It was not prudent 
in the general to confide to me such a command. If I 
had been unfortunate, the public would have called that 
partiality an error of judgment." 

But Washington well knew the character and capacity 
of the young marquis, and trusted him probably more than 
his older and more experienced generals. La Fayette had 
already proved that his courage would never lead him 
to make rash ventures, but when hazardous enterprises 
were necessary, no danger could unnerve him, and no 
unexpected dilemma could confuse him. 

On the 30th of August the French fleet under Count 
de G-rasse arrived. The Marquis de Saint-Simon landed 
with three thousand men, and La Fayette joined his 
force to them and took up a strong position at Williams 



THE Kyi(JHT OF LIBERTY. 87 

burg. Washington having completely outwitted General 
Clinton, by feigning an intended attack on Kew York, 
had started on the 19th of August, with the entire 
American army, and, crossing the Hudson, they began 
their march to Virginia. 

In announcing their departure to La Fayette, Wash- 
ington wrote to the marquis, enjoining upon him the 
closest watchfulness, lest the enemy should escape his 
vigilance, adding: "As it will be of great importance 
towards the success of our present enterprise that the 
enemy, on the arrival of the fleet, should not have it 
in their power to effect retreat, I cannot omit to repeat 
to you my most earnest wish that the land and naval 
forces which you will have with you may so combine 
their operations that the British army may not be able 
to escape. The particular mode of doing this I shall 
not, at this distance, attempt to dictate. Your oavu 
knowledge of the country, from your long continuance 
in it, and the various and extensive movements which 
you have made, have given you great opportunities for 
observation, of which I am persuaded your military 
genius and judgment will lead you to make the best 
improvement. You will, my dear Marquis, keep me 
constantly advised of every important event respecting 
the enemy or yourself." 

Cornwallis, who had taken his position at York and 
Gloucester, where he had been actively engaged in erect- 
ing heavy fortifications, now suddenly found himself 
completely surrounded by his foes, being blockaded by 
sea and land, with hardly a possibility of escape. He 
sent an urgent request to Sir Henry Clinton for suc- 
cor, and finding, after having carefully reconnoitred La 
Fayette's position at Williamsburg, that any attempt 
to pass it and retreat to the South would be useless. 



88 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

lie awaited with impatience his expected re-enforce- 
ments. 

La Fayette's loyalty to Washington and his faithful 
obedience was at this time severely tried. As the Count 
de Grasse had permission to serve on the American 
coast only until the middle of October, and as he and 
the Marquis St. Simon were anxious to distinguish them- 
selves, they urged La Fayette to make an immediate 
attack upon the enemy, without awaiting the arrival of 
Washington and the Count de Rochambeau. "It is 
right," they argued, "that you who have had all the 
difficulties of this campaign should now be rewarded 
with the glory of its successful termination." They 
represented that the incomplete state of the fortifica- 
tions of Cornwallis made his defeat sure, as he could not 
resist a sudden attack. These were powerful reasons to 
the young and impulsive marquis ; but his loyalty and 
better judgment prevailed, and he resisted all appeals to 
commence the attack, and waited in patience the arrival 
of Washington and Eochambeau. 

On the 14th of September Washington and Eocham- 
beau arrived at Williamsburg, and La Fayette was 
rejoiced to behold the consummation of one of his 
fondest wishes, which was to see Washington at the 
head of the united French and American armies. 
Plans were immediately completed for the siege of 
Yorktown. Washington highly approved of all the 
measures adopted by La Fayette, and a brilliant success 
seemed certain. 

But a new difficulty unexpectedly arose, which was 
only removed by the persuasive influence of La Fayette. 
Information reached the French admiral that the British 
fleet in New York had received important additions, and 
he thereupon determined to sail directly against the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 89 

English fleet. Washington perceived that if they were 
deserted by the French fleet, their victory over Cornwal- 
lis might be very uncertain. He accordingly wrote a 
letter to Count de G-rasse, and sent it by La Fayette, 
urging the marquis to use his personal influence to j)re- 
vent this calamity. La Fayette realized the crisis of 
affairs, and successfully appealed to the count ; and the 
French fleet therefore remained to aid the American 
army. 

The troops from the North having arrived on the 
28th, the entire army, moving forward in four columns, 
halted about twelve miles in front of the enemy, and the 
famous siege of Yorktown was begun. 

The investment was complete. Cornwallis looked out 
in vain for any chance to escape. The Americans grad- 
ually surrounded the town with earthworks, redoubts, 
and trenches, and on the night of the 6th of October a 
trench seven hundred feet was commenced within six 
hundred yards of the British lines. So silently was this 
work done by the French and Americans that the garri- 
son was entirely unaware of it until daylight, by which 
time the embankments were so high as to shield the 
men from the enemy's fire. Batteries and redoubts were 
speedily erected, and such an unrelenting cannonading 
was kept up against the garrison that they were forced 
to withdraw their cannon from the embrasures ; and 
most of their batteries were torn in pieces. On the 
night of the 11th, Washington opened his second par- 
allel within three hundred yards of the lines. This, 
like the former, was begun noiselessly and was not dis- 
covered by Cornwallis until the next morning. There 
were two redoubts of the English that seriously inter- 
fered with the work of the besiegers, by a constant fire. 
Washino-ton determined to attack them. La Fayette 



\-. 



90 THE LIFE 0^ LA FAYETTE, 

was appoiiitecl to lead the Americans, who should attack 
one of the redoubts, and the Baron de Viomesnil led 
a band of Frenchmen against the other. 

The baron had once remarked to La Fayette that he 
thought the French method of attack superior to that 
of the Americans. La Fayette answered, " We are but 
young soldiers, and we have but one sort of tactics on 
such occasions, which is to discharge our muskets and 
push on straight with our bayonets." 

Both leaders were now to carry out their preconceived 
military tactics. La Fayette made an impetuous attack 
and captured the redoubt, and still hearing firing from 
the other, he sent his aide-de-camp to the baron, inquir- 
ing if he should send him assistance. Viomesnil an- 
swered, " Tell the marquis that I am not yet master of 
my redoubt, but that I shall be in less than five min- 
utes." He kept his word, and before that time had 
passed, he entered his captured redoubt in perfect mili- 
tary order. Both had been equally successful ; but La 
Fayette was ahead as to time, and the baron, in follow- 
ing strict military rule, was forced to expose his men to 
a terrible fire from the enemy. The bravery with which 
this difficult onset was made was highly gratifying to 
Washington-; and he complimented both officers in the 
orders for the succeeding day. The captured redoubts 
were included in the second parallel, and soon some 
howitzers were mounted upon them, and their destruc- 
tive fire was turned upon the besieged. 

Cornwallis now determined to make a bold effort, and 
he sent out Lieutenant-Colonel Abercrombie at the head 
of eight hundred chosen men to make a desperate sortie 
against two batteries of the besieging enemy. So valiant 
was their charge that they gained possession and spiked 
four guns, but they were repelled l)y the Chevalier de 



THE K^^UailT OF LIBERTY. 91 

Cliastellux, and forced to retire. The condition of Corn- 
wallis was now desperate. His ordnance had been 
dismounted by the terrible firing of the Americans, his 
walls were crumbling, and nearly all his defences were 
razed. He resolved to try one more daring design. This 
was to cross over in the night to Gloucester Point, with 
such of his troops as were not disabled, and endeavor by 
forced marches to join the army in New York. The 
attempt was made, and one division passed over unper- 
ceived by the Americans, but a violent storm suddenly 
arose and drifted the boats doAvn the river, and the plan 
was abandoned. 

On the morning of the 17th Lord Cornwallis opened 
negotiations and offered to capitulate. On the 19th 
formal articles of surrender were signed, and Cormval- 
lis and his army were made prisoners of war. "The 
Americans and French took possession at noon of two 
bastions, and the garrison defiled between the armies at 
two o'clock P.M., with drums beating, carrying their 
arms, which they afterwards piled, with twenty pair of 
colors. Lord Cornwallis feigned sickness, to avoid sur- 
rendering before his soldiers, and General O'Hara accord- 
ingly appeared at the head of the garrison. ' When he 
came up,' says Eochambeau, 'he presented his sword to 
me. I pointed to General Washington, who was op- 
posite me, at the head of the American army, and 
told him that the French army being auxiliaries on 
the continent, it was the American general who was to 
signify his orders to him.' As the result of this capitu- 
lation 8000 prisoners, of whom 7000 were regular troops 
and 1000 sailors ; 214 pieces of cannon, of which 75 
were brass ; and 22 pair of colors, passed into the hands 
of the allies. The men, artillery, arms, military chest, 
and public stores of every denomination were surren- 



\)'J THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

dered to Washington, the ships and seamen to the 
Count de Grasse/'^ 

Lord Cornwallis sent a messenger to La F/iyette, " to 
tell the marquis that, after having made this long cam- 
paign against him, he wished to give him a private 
account of the reasons which had led him to surrender." 
The next day La Fayette went to see him. " I know," 
said the English general, "your humanity to prisoners, 
and I recommend my j^oor army to you." 

"You know, my lord," replied La Fayette, "the Amer- 
icans have always been humane towards imprisoned 
armies." 

Thus did La Fayette refuse even to accept a compli- 
ment which seemed to separate him from his American 
comrades in arms. 

The bells in every town and hamlet throughout the 
country rang out the joyful news of this great victory. 
Bonfires blazed on every hill-top. Congress repaired in 
solemn procession to the Dutch Lutheran church, to re- 
turn thanks to God for this providential deliverance. 
The names of Washington and La Fayette, Kochambeau 
and De Grasse, resounded throughout the world. The 
commander-in-chief ordered that suitable religious ser- 
vices should be held in camp in honor of that Divine 
Providence who had vouchsafed to them this great bless- 
ing. 

On the 20th of October, 1781, La Fayette thus wrote 
to M. de Maurepas : — 

" Camp, near York. 

" The tragedy is over ; the piece is played, Monsieur 
le Comte, and the fifth act comes to an end. 

" I had a little torture during the first, but at last my 

1 " Memoires el Marmscrits." 




4#l^-^Pj^,->^^_^^ C'/i 5r>y 







THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 93 

heart experiences a lively joy, and it gives me not a little 
pleasure to congratulate you upon the happy success of 
our campaign. 

"I cannot give you the details, Monsieur le Comte, 
which 1 intrust to Lauzun, to whom I wish much hap- 
piness in crossing the ocean, which he will traverse with 
the corps of the legion of Tarleton. 

"M. de Rochambeau brings to you the account rela- 
tive to the army which he commands ; but if the honor 
of having commanded for so long a time the division of 
M. de Saint-Simon gives me the right to speak of my 
obligations to that general and to his troops, this duty 
will give me infinite delight. 

"Will you kindly, Monsieur le Comte, present my 
homage to Madame la Comtesse de Maurepas and to 
Madame de Flamarens, and accept the assurance of my 
affection, of my remembrances, and of my respect." 

From the same place La Fayette wrote also to M. de 
Vergennes, as follows : — 

"Eeceive my congratulations. Monsieur le Comte, upon 
the fortunate turn which has at last come to politics. 
M. de Lauzun will give you all the details. I am happy 
that our campaign of Virginia has been so well finished ; 
and my respect for the ability of Lord Cornwallis renders 
his capture all the more precious to me. After this 
attempt what English general will come to place himself 
at the head to conquer America ? 

"Their Southern manoiuvres have not ended more 
happily than those in the North, and the affair of Gen- 
eral Burgoyne has been repeated. 

"Adieu, Monsieur le Comte; the time which I have for 
writing is so brief that I will only add the assurance of 
respect and of tender attachment." 



94 THE LIFE QF LA FAYETTE, 

From on board the Ville de Paris, in the Chesapeake 
Ba}^, La Fayette thus writes to his wife : — 

Oct. 22, 1781. 

"Behokl the last instant, my dear heart, in which it 
is possible for me to write you. M. de Lauzun is about 
to join the frigate and depart for Europe. Some busi- 
ness with the admiral affords me the pleasure of giving 
to you the latest news of the past two days. 

"That which has occurred regarding public events 
will be detailed by M. de Lauzun. The end of this 
campaign is truly brilliant for the allied armies. There 
has been in our movements a rare harmony, and I 
should have been much disappointed had I not the 
satisfaction of this hap})y ending of my campaign in 
Virginia. 

" You are aware of all the difficulties that the superi- 
ority and the talents of Lord Cornwallis have occasioned 
us ; the advantage which Ave had following the recovery 
of the territory lost, and which ended in the position 
which we forced Lord Cornwallis to take ; it was at that 
moment that everybody rushed in upon him. 

"I count amongst my many pleasant experiences 
the time when the division of M. de Saint-Simon was 
reunited to my army ; and, also, when I alternately 
commanded the three adjutant-generals with the troops 
under their order. I pity Lord Cornwallis, of whom I 
have the most exalted opinion. He wished to test 
such estimation, and after the capitulation gave me the 
pleasure of returning the incivility of Charleston. I 
do not purpose to carry vengeance any further. 

" My health is excellent. I have not received any in- 
jury during my operations. Present my most tender 
homage to Madame d'Aven, to M. le Marechal de 



THE KNIGHT Oh' LIBERTY. 95 

Noailles; a thousand compliments to all my sisters, to 
I'Abbe Fayon, to M. de Margelay. 

" I embrace a thousand and a thousand times our dear 
children. Adieu ! adieu ! " 

Washington desired to follow up the advantages which 
the Americans had gained, by an expedition agpjnst 
Charleston; but as De Grasse had prior orders from 
his sovereign, preventing his remaining longer in Amer- 
ica, the project was abandoned, and the American army 
retired into winter quarters. 

Again La Fayette sought permission from Congress to 
visit his native land, and after receivi \g the highest 
testimonials from AVashington and Congress, and also 
from the king and ministry of France, he sailed from 
Boston in the frigate Alliance, on the 22d of December, 
1781. 

The greatest enthusiasm was excited by La Fayette's 
arrival in France. Koyal salons courted his presence, 
and high-born dames and gallant cavaliers vied to do 
him homage. Even sovereigns deigned to note with 
especial honor his return. Madame de La Fayette was 
present at a grand fete at the H6tel de Ville, in celebra- 
tion of the Dauphin's birth, when the news was pro- 
claimed that La Fayette, the conqueror of Cornwallis, 
had just arrived ; and, sym})athizing with the impatient 
joy of the fond wife, the queen herself ordered her 
carriage and accompanied Madame de La Fayette to the 
H6tel de Noailles, where La Fayette had just alighted. 

The joy of the reunion between La Fayette and his 
family is more fittingly told in the words of his daughter 
Virginie than by another. 

Speaking of her father's second visit to America, she 
says : — 



96 THE LIFE*OF LA FAYETTE, 

" My father left France once more for America, where 
the war still continued. The grief which my mother 
felt was still greater than at his first departure. Her 
attachment had been increased both by her anxieties on 
his account and by the enchanting moments she had 
sx:>ent with him. She was then nineteen. Her impres- 
sions had become stronger and deeper ; a more intimate 
and serious confidence had associated her riper intellect 
with my father's opinions and designs : her mind was 
with him as well as her heart. 

" Nevertheless, what she suffered during the campaign 
of Virginia surpassed all she had yet endured. As the 
English papers, which alone brought any news, always 
depicted the situation as desperate, the most disastrous 
reports came to her knowledge ; but she had the cour- 
age to hide them from her mother, and endeavored to 
bear all her sufferings alone. 

" The brilliant conclusion of that campaign which had 
been conducted by my father, and had ended by the cap- 
ture of Lord Cornwallis, caused her a happiness which 
had been purchased by prolonged sufferings. My father 
arrived unexpectedly in Paris on the 21st of January, 
1782. The joy of seeing him again, returned with so 
much glory out of so many dangers, and the fascination 
of his presence, were intensely felt by my mother. So 
overpowering were her feelings that for several months 
she felt ready to faint every time he left the room. She 
was alarmed at the vehemence of her x)assion, fearing 
that she could not always conceal it from my father, and 
that it might become annoying to him, and she therefore 
endeavored to restrain it for his sake only." 

This touching little scene of an ideal love-life is a 
charming picture in La Fayette's history. Scarcely any- 
where in history can be found the record of two souls 



rilE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 97 

in sucli perfect harmony of tlionglit and feeling as the 
Marqnis and Marquise de La Fayette. To the end their 
life was unmarred by the least discord or misunder- 
standing. The world crowned him with honor ; and he 
laid at her feet his diadem of glory, and felt himself 
rewarded by her tender smile of a|)proving love. 

It is fitting that we should here quote a few lines from 
a letter written to Washington by La Fayette, in O'to- 
ber, 1782, announcing the birth of this same Virginie, 
who afterwards became such a faithful narrator of the 
beautiful life of the Marquis and Marquise de La Fayette. 
The marquis says : — 

"My dear Gexeral: Since the arrival of Colonel 
Gimat not one line from you has come to me ; this afflicts 
me intensely, because when I have not the pleasure of 
being with you it is absolutely necessary for me that I 
should receive letters from you. 

"This will be handed to you by General Dupontail 
and Colonel Gouvion, who return to America. I wish I 
could do the same ; but you know that I am detained here 
by the American plenipotentiaries, in the hope of serving 
our cause, which is always to me the principal object. 

" General Dupontail will give you the public news ; I 
have communicated those of a more secret nature to the 
Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and I have requested him 
to transmit my letter to your Excellency. You will be 
able to form your opinion upon the situation of affairs ; 
but although their progress does not permit me (on 
account of the reasons which I have already explained) 
to leave this country at the present time, my personal 
opinion is, that a victory is necessary before a general 
peace can be brought to a conclusion. 

" I have charged Colonel Gouvion to say to you those 



D8 THE LIFE 4JF LA FAYETTE, 

tilings wliicli liad better not be written, relative to my 
projects. 

"Madame La Fayette desires me to present to you, 
also to Madame Washington, her respects and affection- 
ate regards. She has a little daughter, just arrived; and 
though the infant is someAvhat delicate, 1 hope that she 
will grow up strong. I have taken the liberty of giving 
to her the name of Virginie. 

"I beseech you, my dear General, to present my re- 
spects to Madame Washington, and my affectionate com- 
pliments to the family. I hope that my conduct, guided 
by the motives of seeking the greatest public good, and 
for American interests, will receive from you that appro- 
bation which I prefer to that from all the rest of the 
world. Adieu, my dear General!" 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 99 



CHAPTER ly. 

Preparations in France in Behalf of America — Peace Negotiations 

— La Fayette's Unselfish Loyalty — His Diplomatic Measures at 
the Court of Spain — News of the Treaty of Peace in America — 
Washington's Letter of Commendation to La Fayette — La Fay- 
ette's Efforts in the Interests of American Commerce — Secures 
Exemption of Duties on Oil — AVashington's Invitation from 
Mount Vernon — La Fayette's Return to America — Memorable 
Visit to Mount Vernon — Triumphal Reception of the Nation's 
Guest — His Ovation at Boston — Congress tenders La Fayette a 
Farewell — Last Parting between Washington and La Fayette — 
Act of the Maryland Assembly to naturalize the Marquis de 
La Fayette — His Return to France — La Fayette's Visit to 
Frederick the Great — His Description of the Prussian Warrior 

— Memorable Dinner at Sans Souci — La Fayette's Sympathies 
for the Oppressed African Race — His Letter to Washington on 
the Subject of Slavery — La Fayette's Philanthropic Example at 
Cayenne — Washington's comments upon the Same — La Fay- 
ette's Efforts in Behalf of Persecuted French Protestants — 
Madame Washington's Housewifely Gift to Madame La Fay- 
ette — Comments upon the French Alliance, and the Character 
of General La Fayette, by Hon. Chauncey M. Depew. 

" On the light of Liberty you saw arise the light of Peace, like 

' another morn, 
Risen on mid-noon'; 

and the sky on which you closed your eye was cloudless." 

— Daniel Webster. 

LA FAYETTE in France was not nnmindful of the 
interests of America. Largely through his influence 
a grand armament was put in preparation by France and 
Spain, to encounter the British power in the West Indies 
and North America. Sixty vessels and twenty-four thou- 



100 THE LIFE QF LA FAYETTE, 

sand men assembled at Cadiz. La Fayette was appointed 
chief of the staff of both armies. These vast prepara- 
tions were looked upon by England with alarm, and 
quickened their negotiations with the United States for 
arranging a peace. 

At this time La Fayette wrote the following letter to 
Washington, dated at Brest, December, 1782, and marked 
" Tout-ci-fait coiifidentielle " .• — 

" My dear General : My preceding letters have ap- 
prised you that though the politicians speak much of 
peace, an expedition is about to take place, of which the 
command has been given to Count d'Estaing. I will add 
that, having been solicited to take part in it, I have 
accepted willingly, thinking it was the only means in 
the world of succeeding in that which you have charged 
me to obtain. 

" Colonel Grouvion ought to be with you, and I refer, 
my dear General, to that letter which I have sent to you 
by him ; also to some notes which I have written in 
cipher. Les Antilles are the first object. Spain will come 
after. We have nine ships of the line to send by the 
first favorable wdnd. Your Excellency knows that the 
Count d'Estaing has gone to Spain. We have the mari- 
time superiority. Will you prepare your propositions 
and your projects relative to New York, Charleston, 
Penobscot, and the New World ? A French vessel will 
be sent to America, and from there, by your orders, to 
the West Indies. 

'^I will write you by the next opportunity. I have 
the honor of sending to you, with this, a copy of a letter 
to Congress. I hope that you can say that you are satis- 
fied Avitli my conduct. In truth, my dear General, it is j 
necessary to my happiness that you should think thus. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. lUl 

When yoii are absent, I strive to do that which seems 
to me that you would have counselled if you had been 
present. I love you too much to be for a moment satis- 
fied unless I can think that you approve my conduct. 

"They talk much of the peace. I think, entre nous^ 
that the greatest difficulty will come from the Spaniards, 
and, moreover, I believe that the enemies are not sincere. 

" They have piled up disputes and artifices d propos to 
the question of the American limits, and thus it rests. 
My opinion is, that at the bottom of their hearts they 
are determined, if they can, to attempt to bring about 
some turn of their affairs in the next campaign. God 
grant that we shall be able to make a vigorous effort, 
particularly as regards ISTew York. 

" I arrived here but yesterday morning, and am much 
occupied Avith the affairs of the service." 

On the 20th of January, 1783, the final treaty was 
signed. La Fayette was then at Cadiz preparing to sail 
to America, bearing the news of the glad tidings of peace, 
when an occurrence took place which revealed the unself- 
ishness of his ambition, and the loyalty of his love for 
America. Mr. Carmichael, who had been appointed by 
Congress Charge cV Affaires to the court of Madrid, was 
not received by the king of Spain in his diplomatic 
relation, although that monarch had signed the treaty 
acknowledging the independence of the States. In this 
emergency, Mr. Carmichael wrote to La Fayette, seeking 
his aid. The marquis generously determined to deprive 
himself of the great pleasure of announcing to Washing- 
ton the joyful news of the treaty ; and he therefore sent 
a letter to the President of Congress, conuuunicating the 
tidings of peace, while he himself hastened to Madrid 
to negotiate in behalf of the honor of America ; and he 



102 THE LIFE OJ^' LA FAYETTE, 

obtained from the king the full recognition of the Amer- 
ican ambassador in his official character. 

The following is the memorable letter of La Fayette 
to Congress, announcing the treaty of peace : — 

" To the President of Congress. 

" Cadiz, Feb. 5, 1783. 

" Sir : With such celerity as I can despatch a ship, I 
hope to inform Congress of the news of a general peace. 
Moreover, such are my sentiments under these circum- 
stances that I cannot delay to present my felicitations. 
These sentiments one can judge of better through a 
knowledge of my heart, which, by means of such ex- 
pressions, can only feebly render its emotions. 

" I remember our former times with pleasure and with 
pride. Our present situation renders me happy. I behold 
in the future a tempting prospect. 

" The preceding letters have made known to Congress 
how, until now, I had the intention of leaving France. 
I have been detained by some despatches. I refer to 
my letter of the 3d for a fuller explanation of my 
conduct. 

"Now the noble struggle is ended. I rejoice in the 
benefits of peace. There are here anchored nine ships 
of the line, with twenty thousand men, with whom the 
Count d'Estaing was about to join the combined forces 
of the AVest Indies, and which would have co-operated 
with our American army. It had even been arranged 
that while the Count d'Estaing was employed elsewhere, 
I should enter the St. Lawrence at the head of a French 
corps. For that which concerns myself, I have no regrets ; 
but independent of personal considerations, you know 
that I have always longed for the addition of Canada 
to the United States. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 103 

" I promised myself to return to America after the peace. 
Notwithstanding the pain of being detained, it is neces- 
sary to defer this voyage. Any sacrifice will not be 
counted by me for the accomplishment of my duties ; 
and since it has pleased Congress to order that their 
ministers should consult Vv^ith me, my first interest is to 
merit their confidence. 

"From my letter to M. Livingston, one can form an 
opinion of our situation in Spain. They have demanded 
my aid, and I have given it. They desire my services, 
and instead of departing for America I will go to 
Madrid, which is so far from my plan ; but I believe 
that it will be better for me to go there during the resi- 
dence of Mr. Jay in Paris ; so that nothing shall hinder 
me, unless Congress honors me with their orders. I 
shall embark in the coming June, because I am very 
eager to behold again the American shores. 

"To-day our noble cause has triumphed; our inde- 
pendence is firmly established ; and American virtue has 
obtained its recompense. I hope no efforts will be ne- 
glected to strengthen the federal union. 

"May the states be always strongly united in a man- 
ner to defy European intrigues ! Upon such union will 
repose their importance and their happiness. This is 
the first wish of a heart most truly American, and which 
cannot refrain from expressing these words. 

"I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, 
etc." 

After divers negotiations attempted from the com- 
mencement of the year 1782, the preliminaries of a peace 
between France and England were signed at Versailles, 
on the 20th of January, 1783, by M. de Vergennes and 
Mr. Fitz-Herbert, plenipotentiary of his British Majesty. 



104 THE LIFE bF LA FAYETTE, 

These preliminaries were converted into a definite treaty 
of peace the 3d of September, 1783. It was signed, for 
France, by M. de Vergennes ; for Spain, by the Count 
d'Aranda ; and for England, by the Duke of Manchester. 
The hnal treaty between Great Britain and the United 
States was signed at Paris, Jan. 20, 1783, by Mr. 
David Hartly, on the one side, and by Messrs. John 
Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, on the other 
side. This sitting had also concluded at Paris the pecu- 
liar treaty between Great Britain and the etats-gen^raux 
of Holland. 

We cannot refrain from quoting also a portion of the 
delightful letter written to Washington by La Fayette, 
of the same date as the above communication, addressed 
to Congress. 

"My dear General: If you were such a man as 
Caesar, or as the king of Prussia, I should have been 
much grieved for you to behold the grand tragedy termi- 
nated, in which you have played so great a rdle. But I 
congratulate myself with my dear general over this 
peace which has accomplished all our wishes. 

" Eecall to your mind our times at Valley Forge, and 
let the remembrance of those past dangers and afflictions 
add greater joy to the hai^piness of our present situation. 
What sentiments of pride and satisfaction I feel in pon- 
dering upon the circumstances which determined my 
engagement in the cause of America ! As for you, my 
dear General, one can truly say that it is all your work ; 
such must be the sentiments of your good and virtuous 
heart, in this happy moment which establishes and 
which crowns the revolution which you have made. 

" I feel that every one Avill envy the happiness of my 
descendants, as they cherish and honor your name. To 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 105 

Lave had one of their a^ncestors amongst your sokliers, 
to know that he had the happy fortune to be the friend 
of your heart, will be an eternal honor in which they 
will glory ; and I shall bequeath to the eldest amongst 
them, down to the latest of my posterity, the favor 
which you have been willing to confer upon my son 
George. 

"I was intending to go to America with the news of 
the peace. You know me too well, my dear General, not 
to judge of the pleasure which I felt in advance, at the 
hope of embracing you and being reunited to my com- 
panions in arms. Nothing could please me so much as 
that delightful prospect ; but I have been suddenly forced 
to change the execution of my favorite plan, and as I 
have had at last the happiness of receiving a letter from 
you, I know that you will approve of my prolonging my 
absence, for political motives. 

" A copy both of my letter to Congress and that which 
I have written officially to M. Livingston, requesting that 
they may be communicated to you, will inform you more 
fully of the reasons which press me to depart for 
Madrid. After that, I shall go to Paris, and in the 
month of June embark for America. Happy, ten-times 
happy shall I be to embrace my dear general, my father, 
my best friend, whom I cherish with an affection and 
respect which I feel so deeply that I know it is impossi- 
ble to express it ! 

" You will see by my letter to Congress that independ- 
ently of the plans which had been proposed to you, and 
for which were united immense forces by sea and land, 
it had at length been decided that I should enter into 
Canada. I have had the hope of embracing you at Mon- 
treal, when I was to have been joined by a detachment 
of the army. The necessity of some diversion secured 



106 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

for us the consent of Spain ; but these projects have 
vanished, and we ought to console ourselves in thinking 
of the happiness of that part of the continent to which 
you have given deliverance. 

" I am impatient, my dear Greneral, to hear from you, 
and to inform you of myself, for which purpose I send 
my servant by this vessel, and for whom I have arranged 
that he be landed on the coast of Maryland. I hope 
to receive your reply before leaving France, and I shall 
be then where I wish to go. If you are at home, I will 
direct my way toward the Chesapeake Bay. 

" You cannot, my dear General, employ your influence 
more wisely than to persuade the American people to 
strengthen the federal ties. This is a task which appeals 
to your heart, and I consider this result as necessary. 
Be assured that the European politicians will be disposed 
to create a division amongst the states. This is the 
time when the powers of Congress ought to be fixed, 
their possible limits determined, and the Articles of Con- 
federation revised. This work, which should interest 
all the friends of America, is the last test ; this is want- 
ing to the perfection of the temple of Liberty. 

" And the army, my dear General ! What is to be its 
future ? I hope that the country will be grateful. If it 
is otherwise, I shall be very unhappy. Our part of the 
army, will they remain united ? If not, I hope that 
we shall not lose our noble titles as officers and soldiers 
of the American army ; and that in a time of danger 
we can be recalled from all corners of the world, and 
reunited for the defence of a country which has been 
so heroically saved. 

"I am anxious to know the measures which will be 
taken. Truly, I count upon your kindness to write me 
a very detailed letter, not only in the public interests. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 107 

but also because I have the desire to be informed of all 
that which concerns you personally. 

" Adieu ! adieu, my dear General ! If the Spaniards 
had common sense, I should have been spared this 
wretched journey to Madrid, but I am called there by a 
duty to America. 

" Let us return, at present, to our own affairs ; for 
I will urge you to return to France with me. The best 
way to arrange it will be for Madame Washington to 
accompany you. She will render Madame de La Fayette 
and myself perfectly happy. I pray your Excellency 
to otter my compliments to Tilghman, to George, to all 
the staff. Eemember me to all my friends in the army. 
Have the kindness to speak of me to your respected 
mother. I wish her happiness, with all my soul. Adieu, 
yet once more, my dear General, with all the senti- 
ments, etc." 

La Fayette's letter, bearing its weighty message, was 
sent in a fast-sailing vessel appropriately named The 
Trhimph. This ship arrived in Philadelphia on the 
23d of March, 1783, bringing to Congress the intelligence 
of the treaty of peace. Testimonials in honor of La 
Fayette were passed by Congress, and Washington wrote 
to him these words of commendation : — 

"It is easier for you to conceive, than for me to 
express, the sensibility of my heart at the communica- 
tion of your letter of the oth of February, from Cadiz. 
It is to these communications we are indebted for the 
only account yet received of a general pacification. My 
mind, upon the receipt of this intelligence, was instantly 
assailed by a thousand ideas, all of them contending for 
pre-eminence ; but, believe me, my dear friend, none 
could supplant or ever will eradicate that gratitude 



108 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

which has arisen from a lively sense of the conduct of 
your nation, and to my obligations to many of its illus- 
trious characters (of whom, without flattery, I place you 
at the head), and from my admiration of your august 
sovereign, who, at the same time that he stands con- 
fessed the father of his own people, and the defender of 
American rights, has given the most exalted example of 
moderation in treating with his enemies. 

"The armament which was preparing at Cadiz, and in 
which you were to have acted a distinguished part, 
would have carried such conviction with it, that it is 
not to be wondered at that Great Britain should have 
been impressed with the force of such reasoning. To 
this cause, I am persuaded, the peace is to be ascribed. 
Your going to Madrid from thence, instead of coming 
immediately to this country, is another instance, my 
dear Marquis, @f your zeal for the American cause, and 
lays a fresh claim to the gratitude of her sons, who will 
at all times receive you with open arms." 

American independence having been secured. La Fay- 
ette now interested himself in advancing the commercial 
influence of America in France. The whale fishery was 
an important American industry; and La Fayette, by 
persevering efforts, secured a total exemption of duties 
on sixteen thousand quintals of oil, to be furnished by 
merchants of Boston to the contractor-general for light- 
ing the cities of Paris and Versailles. Regarding this 
he modestly wrote : " I worked very hard to bring even 
as much as this about, and am happy at having at last 
obtained a point which may be agreeable to New Eng- 
land and the people of Boston. I wish they may, at 
large, know I did not neglect their affairs ; and although 
this is a kind of private bargain, yet as it amounts to a 
value of about eight hundred thousand French livres, 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 109 

and government has been prevailed upon to take off all 
duties, it must be considered a matter of no little im- 
portance." 

From the quiet retreat of Mount Vernon, Washington 
wrote to the marquis, and renewed his previous invita- 
tion to visit him when peace should have been accom- 
plished. The weary warrior thus pictures his retired 
life : — 

"At length I have become a private citizen on the 
banks of the Potomac ; and under the shadow of my 
own vine and fig-tree, free from the bustle of the camp 
and the busy scenes of public life, I am solacing myself 
with those tranquil enjoyments of which the soldier, 
who is ever in pursuit of fame ; the statesman, Avhose 
watchful days and sleepless nights are spent in devising 
schemes to promote the welfare of his own, perhaps the 
ruin of other countries (as if this globe was insufficient 
for us all) ; and the courtier, who is always watching 
the countenance of his prince, in the hope of catching 
a gracious smile, can have very little conception. I 
have not only retired from all public employments, but 
am retiring within myself, and shall be able to view the 
solitary walk and tread the paths of private life with 
heart-felt satisfaction. Envious of none, I am deter- 
mined to be pleased with all ; and this, my dear friend, 
being the order of my march, I will move gently down 
the stream of life until I sleep with my fathers." 

Again La Fayette turned his face toward the New 
Land of Liberty. He arrived in IN'ew York in August, 
1784, Avhere he was received with distinguished honors, 
and his journey to Philadelphia and Baltimore was a 
succession of triumphs. Bells echoed from mountain- 
peak to hill-top, cannon boomed their thunders of wel- 
come, and old Revolutionary soldiers gathered around 



110 THE LIFEyjF LA FAYETTE, 

their honored comrade with admiring respect. But he 
hastened to the alluring heights of Mount Vernon, 
where his beloved chief and general impatiently awaited 
his arrival. Twelve days of delight he spent with 
Washington in that picturesque retreat. 

Triumph after triumph yet awaited the nation's 
guest, the noAv illustrious but still youthful Marquis 
de La Fayette; loved better in America as the valiant 
major-general than as the gentleman of rank. But 
amid all the cities that strove to do him honor, Boston, 
this time, outstripped them all. His ovation there oc- 
curred on the anniversary of the surrender of Cornwallis, 
and the governor of the state, the president the Senate, 
and the speaker of the House of Eepresentatives assem- 
bled in the great hall where thousands awaited to do 
him honor. The apartment was brilliantly and appro- 
priately ornamented, and emblems of the thirteen states 
of the Union floated from arch and pillar. After dinner 
thirteen patriotic toasts were drunk, followed each by 
thirteen guns stationed in the square without. As the 
name of Washington Avas spoken, and La Fayette arose 
to reply, a curtain behind the marquis was mysteriously 
lifted, revealing a noble portrait of the great general 
encircled Avith laurels and decorated Avith the entwined 
flags of America and France. La Fayette, surprised and 
moved, regarded those loA^ed features Avith evident emo- 
tion, and his silent admiration A\^as at length broken by 
a A^oice exclaiming, ''■Long live Washington!'' And the 
cry was quickly taken up, and from all the people rose a 
shout of vociferous applause, '•'-Long live Washington ! ^^ 

Congress, then assembled at Trenton, tendered a fare- 
Avell to their illustrious guest ; and to the courtly greet- 
ing of Mr. Jay, chairman of the committee appointed to 
wait upon him. La Fayette made this fitting reply : — 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. Ill 

'' May this immense temple of Freedom ever stand a 
lesson to oppressors^ an example to the ojyj^ressed, and a 
sanctuary for the rights of maiikind ! and may these 
happy United States attain that complete splendor and 
prosperity which will illustrate the blessings of their 
government, and for ages to come rejoice the departed 
souls of its founders ! " 

And the echoes of La Fayette's words come still roll- 
ing down the years, "May this temple of Freedom 
stand ! " 

La Fayette's parting from Washington was most 
tender and affecting. As the old general pressed to 
his heart the youthful form of his beloved and adopted 
son, tears filled his eyes, and La Fayette, too, looked 
through dim mists, and both were proud to show their 
mutual love. 

With a prophetic presentiment that they should never 
meet again, Washington afterwards wrote to La Fayette 
these touching words : — 

"In the moment of our separation, and every hour 
since, I have felt all that love, respect, and attachment 
for you, with which length of years, close connection, 
and your merits have inspired me. I often asked my- 
self, as our carriages separated, whether that was the 
last sight I should ever have of you; and though I 
wished to say no, my fears answered yes ! I called to 
mind the days of my youth, and found that they had 
fled to return no more ; that I was now descending the 
hill I had been fifty years climbing, and that, though I 
was blessed Avith a good constitution, I was of a short- 
lived family, and might soon expect to be entombed in 
the mansion of my fathers. These thoughts darkened 
the shades and gave a gloom to the picture, and, conse- 
quently, to my prospect of seeing you again." 



112 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

And truly this Avas their last meeting and their last 
parting on this earth. When, in after years. La Fayette 
again visited America, Washington slept under the sod 
at Mount Vernon, and the sorrowful marquis could only 
satisfy his affectionate remembrance of that ideal friend- 
ship by dropping his silent tears upon the tomb of his 
adopted father. 

The following act to naturalize Major-G-eneral the Mar- 
quis de La Fayette and his heirs male forever was 
passed November session, 1784, by the Assembly of 
Maryland : — 

•' Whereas, the General Assembly of Maryland anxious to per- 
petuate a name dear to the state, and to recognize the Marquis 
de La Fayette as one of its citizens, who, at the age of nine- 
teen, left his native country, and risked his life in the late revo- 
lution ; who, on his joining the American army, after being 
appointed by Congress to the rank of major-general, disinter- 
estedly refused the usual reward of command, and sought only 
to deserve, what he attained, the character of patriot and sol- 
dier; who, when appointed to conduct an incursion into Can- 
ada, called forth, by his prudence and extraordinary discretion, 
the approbation of Congress ; who, at the head of an army in 
Virginia baffled the manosuvres of a distinguished general, and 
excited the admiration of the oldest commanders ; who early 
attracted the notice and obtained the friendship of the illustri- 
ous General Washington; and who labored and succeeded in 
raising the honor and name of the United States of America : 
Therefore, 

^^ Be it enacted hy the General Assemhhj of Maryland, That the 
Marquis de La Fayette and his heirs male forever shall be, 
and they, and each of them, are hereby deemed, adjudged, and 
taken to be natural-born citizens of this state, and shall hence- 
forth be entitled to all the immunities, rights, and privileges 
of natural-born citizens thereof, they and every one of them, 
conforming to the constitution and laws of this state, in the 
enjoyment and exercise of such immunities, rights, and privi- 
leo-es," 



THE KNIGHT OF LlBEliTY. 113 

A similar act was also passed by the legislature of 
Virginia. 

La Fayette returned to Paris in »Tanuary, 1785. Dur- 
ing this year the marquis visited the courts of many of 
the German princes, and was everywhere received with 
marked distinction. But the fawning of courtiers could 
not move La Fayette from his declared position as an 
upholder of freedom. Even old Frederick the Great 
was forced to acknowledge the power of the impulsive 
champion of liberty. La Fayette was invited by the 
admiring tyrant to Sans Souci, and the Prussian monarch 
treated him with distinguished consideration. Many 
were their warm discussions upon liberty and the Amer- 
ican Kevolution, the success of which made even the 
haughty old king tremble on his tottering throne. 

In one of these conversations Frederick declared that 
the American Eepublic would not last. '' She will return 
to the good old system by and by," said he ; to which La 
Fayette, with earnestness, replied : " Never, Sire ; never ! 
Neither monarchy nor aristocracy can ever exist in 
America. Do you believe that I went to America to ob- 
tain military reputation ? It was for liberty I went there. 
He who loves liberty can only remain quiet after having 
established it in his own country." 

To which the old tyrant grimly and sarcastically an- 
swered : " Sir, I knew a young man, who, after having 
visited countries where liberty and equality reigned, con- 
ceived the idea of establishing the same system in his 
own country. Do you know what happened to him ? " 

"No, Sire." 

" He was hanged," said the old monarch, with a mean- 
ing smile. 

When La Fayette took his leave of the Prussian war- 
rior, Frederick presented to the marquis his miniature set 



114 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

in diamonds, as a token of his admiring regard. In La 
Fayette's " Memoirs " he thus sketches Frederick the 
Great as he appeared at the time of this visit : — 

" I have been to Potsdam," says the marquis, " to pay 
my court to the king ; and though I had heard much of 
his appearance, I was not fully prepared to see him 
dressed in an old, ragged, dirty uniform, all covered with 
Spanish snuff, his head leaning over one shoulder, and 
his fingers almost dislocated with gout. But what sur- 
prised me most was the fire, and occasionally the soft- 
ness, in his eyes — the handsomest eyes I have ever 
seen; so that his face can be as charming when he 
is pleased as it can be stern and threatening at the 
head of his army. I was in Silesia when he reviewed 
thirty-one battalions and seventy-five squadrons — thirty 
thousand men in all, seventy-five hundred of them being 
cavalry. 

"It is with the greatest pleasure that I viewed the 
Prussian army ! nothing can be compared to the beauty 
of the troops, — to the discipline which rules in all the 
ranks, to the simplicity and uniformity of their move- 
ments. It is a perfectly regular machine, wound up 
these forty years, and which has not suffered from 
other changes than those which could render it more 
simple and more swift. All the situations which one 
can suppose in a Avar, all the movements which ought 
to be introduced, have been, l)y constant habit, so incul- 
cated in their heads, that all these operations are made 
almost mechanically. 

" If the resources of France, the vivacity of her sol- 
diers, the intelligence of her officers, the national ambi- 
tion, the delicate sensibilities which they are known to 
possess, had been applied to a system as well carried out, 
we should have been then as much ahead of the Prus- 




FREDERICK II, 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 115 

sians as our army is at this moment inferior to theirs ; and 
that is much to say. 

" I have seen also the Austrians, but not all assembled. 
Their general system of economy should be more ad- 
mired than the manoeuvres of their troops. Their method 
is not simple ; our regiments are better than theirs, and 
such advantage as they could have in line over us, we 
could with a little practice surpass them. I really be- 
lieve that there is no need for more instructions of 
details in some of our best regiments than in those of 
the Prussians ; but their manoeuvres are infinitely pref- 
erable to ours. 

"In a week I dined with the Prussian king, his din- 
ner lasting three hours. The conversation was confined 
to the Duke of York, the king, myself, and two or three 
others, so that I had plenty of opportunity to listen to 
him, and to admire the vivacity of his wit and the 
charm of his graciousness. 

" At last I almost forgot he was a despot, selfish and 
severe. Lord Cornwallis was there. The king placed 
him next me at table, and on his other hand he had the 
son of the king of England; then he asked a thousand 
questions on American affairs." 

This was surely a strange combination of circum- 
stances and of guests ; but just this sort of ironical en- 
vironments would delight the sarcastic soul of the cun- 
ning old warrior. 

La Fayette had an equally strange experience in 
America. During his campaign in A'^irginia, in an action 
in which he was in command. General Phillips was 
killed, and this general had been the officer who had 
commanded the enemy's troops at Minden when the 
father of La Fayette was slain. 

La Fayette met Cornwallis again in 1801, when the 



116 THE LIFE*0F LA FAYETTE, 

English lord came over to Paris to negotiate a general 
peace. 

American independence having been secured, La Fay- 
ette's sympp.tliies were aroused in behalf of the oppressed 
African race. His soul abhorred injustice of any sort, 
and when he met a wrong he always endeavored to aid in 
righting it. 

He did not content himself with aesthetically express- 
ing his sympathy, but his enthusiasm always led him to 
action. Whatsoever he did he entered into with his 
whole might, and where there was wrong and oppres- 
sion, he felt himself called upon to devote his energies, 
his position, and his purse in the cause of the opj^ressed. 
So greatly Avas he moved in behalf of the negro slaves, 
that he wrote to Washington soon after the American 
war as follows : — 

" Permit me, my dear General, now that you are about 
to enjoy some repose, to propose a plan for elevating the 
African race. Let us unite in purchasing a small estate 
where we may try the experiment of freeing the negroes, 
and use them only as tenants. Such an example as yours 
would render the practice general ; and if we should suc- 
ceed in America, I will cheerfully devote a part of my 
time to render the plan fashionable in the West Indies. 
If it be a wild scheme, I would rather be mad in that 
way than be thought wise on the other tack." Although 
Washington, Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Pat- 
rick Henry, and others cordially sympathized with him, 
nothing definite was done except by the indefatigable 
La Fayette himself. Not waiting for others, he pur- 
chased a plantation in Cayenne, upon which were a large 
number of slaves, and in order to prepare them for grad- 
ual emancij^ation, he began to fit them for their freedom 
by a thorough course of education. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 117 

Kegardiiig this pliilantliropic act of La Fayette, his 
(laughter Virginie writes : — 

" An earnest wish to contribute to all that was good, 
and a horror for all injustice, were prominent features in 
my mother's character. It was, therefore, with deep 
satisfaction that she witnessed my father's efforts in 
favor of the abolition of the slave trade. He purchased 
a plantation at Cayenne, La Belle Gabrielle, in order to 
give the example of gradual emancipation. Every just 
nnd liberal idea found a place in my mother's heart, and 
her active zeal made her seek ardently for every means 
of putting them into immediate execution. My father 
entrusted her with all the details of this undertaking, in 
which the desire of teaching the negroes of that planta- 
tion the first principles of religion and of morals was 
united with the wish she shared with my father of mak- 
ing them worthy of liberty. Her charity was excited 
by the hope of teaching the blacks to know and love 
God, and of proving to the free-thinkers who sympathized 
with the negroes that the success of their undertaking 
would be in great part due to religion. The events of 
the Revolution have not allowed us to see these hopes 
realized, but we have at least had the satisfaction of 
hearing that the negroes of La Belle Gabrielle did not 
commit the atrocities which were perpetrated in other 
places." 

Regarding this philanthropic plan of La Fayette's for 
the uplifting of the negroes, Washington thus wrote to 
him in 1786 : '' Your late purchase in Cayenne, with a 
view of emancipating your slaves, is a generous and 
noble proof of your humanity. Would to God a like 
spirit might diffuse itself generally into the minds of 
the people of this country ! But I despair of seeing it. 
Some petitions were presented to the Virginia Assembly 



118 THE LIFE. OF LA FAYETTE, 

at its last session for the abolition of slavery, but they 
could scarcely obtain a hearing. To set the slaves afloat 
at once would, I really believe, be productive of much in- 
convenience and mischief; but by degrees it certainly 
might, and assuredly ought, to be effected, and that, too, 
by legislative authority." 

La Fayette also interested himself at this time in 
behalf of the persecuted French Protestants. Though 
himself belonging to the Romish Church, he was neither 
bigoted nor intolerant, and hated the tyranny of priests 
as bitterly as the tyranny of kings. 

In the midst of the sterner subjects regarding war and 
politics, which form so large a part of the correspondence 
between Washington and La Fayette, it may be pleasing 
to note the following homely little incident which brings 
both men in somewhat closer relationship with lesser 
mortals whose lives are made up of petty details and 
home affairs. In the " Memoires et Manuscrits " of La 
Fayette, a work published by his family, in Paris, in 
1837, and which has never been entirely translated into 
English, only scattered letters having been from time to 
time culled therefrom, for the various sketches given re- 
garding the life of La Fayette, we have noticed much 
valuable and interesting information not elsewhere to be 
found. 

Among the correspondence of General La Fayette 
many letters from Washington were collected, several 
of which were quoted in their proper chronological 
order, and of the date of June, 1786, we find the follow- 
ing little note, which is interesting, as it takes us into 
the home-circle at Mount Vernon, and shows us the 
goodly housewife in the person of Lady Washington, 
and the kindly host rather than the stately general in this 
picture of AVashington. The note reads as follows : — 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. \1\) 

"My DEAR Marquis: You will be astonished to see 
so ancient a date upon the letter which I send you, if I 
did not say to you that the ship which was to have car- 
ried this letter has since returned. Nothing new has 
occurred since then, and I would not give you the weari- 
ness of a second epistle, if I had not forgotten to say to 
you that Madam Washington sends to Madame de La 
Fayette a cask of ham. I know not if these are better, 
or even as good, as those in France, but these are of our 
own making, and you know that the ladies of Virginia 
pride themselves upon the excellence of their ham, and 
we remember that it Avas a dish much to your taste. 
She has therefore desired that I offer them to you. 1 
had wished to send with them a barrel of old brandy 
peaches, but I have not been able to procure enough of 
good quality to be placed by the side of your luscious 
wines, and so I send them not. After all, these two gifts 
would be more proper to offer as a ration after a long 
march in the rain than to figure upon your table in 
Paris." 

The Honorable Chauncey M. Depew, in his memorial 
address, delivered at the unveiling of the Statue of Lib- 
erty in New York Harbor, the gift of France to America, 
thus ably comments upon the French alliance, and the 
character of G-eneral La Fayette : — 

'•The French alliance, which enabled us to win our 
independence, is the romance of history. It overcame 
improbabilities impossible in fiction, and its results sur- 
pass the dreams of imagination. The most despotic of 
kings, surrounded by the most exclusive of feudal aris- 
tocracies, sending fleets and armies officered by the scions 
of the proudest of nobilities to fight for subjects in re- 
volt and the liberties of the common people, is a paradox 



120 THE LIFE 9F LA FAYETTE, 

beyond the power of mere liiiman energy to have wrought 
or solved. The march of this mediaeval chivalry across our 
states, respecting persons and property as soldiers never 
had before, never taking an apple or touching a fence- 
rail without permission and payment, treating the ragged 
Continentals as if they were knights in armor and of 
noble ancestry, captivating our grandmothers by their 
gallantry, and our grandfathers by their courage, remains 
unequalled in the poetry of war. It is the most magnifi- 
cent tribute in history to the volcanic force of ideas and 
the dynamitic poAver of truth, though the crust of the 
globe imprison them. In the same ignorance and fear- 
lessness with which a savage plays about a powder mag- 
azine w^ith a torch, the Bourbon king and his court, 
buttressed by the consent of centuries and the unques- 
tioned possession of every power to the state, sought 
relief from cloying pleasures and vigor for enervated 
minds in permitting and encouraging the loftiest genius 
and the most impassioned eloquence of the time to dis- 
cuss the rights and liberties of man. With the orator 
the themes were theories which fired only his imaginar 
tion, and with the courtiers they were pastimes or jests. 
iSTeither speakers nor listeners saw any application of 
these ennobling sentiments to the common mass and 
grovelling herd whose industries they squandered in 
riot and debauch, and whose bodies they hurled against 
battlement and battery to gratify ambition or caprice. 
But these revelations illuminated many an ingenuous 
soul among the young aristocracy, and with distorted 
rays penetrated the Cimmerian darkness which envel- 
loped the people. They bore fruit in the heart and 
mind of one youth, to whom America owes much, and 
France everything, — the Marquis de La Fayette. As 
the centuries roll by^ and in the fulness of time the rays 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 121 

of Liberty's torch are the beacon lights of the workl, the 
central niches in the earth's Pantheon of Freedom will 
be filled by the figures of Washington and La Fayette. 

" It is idle now to speculate whether our fathers could 
have succeeded without the French alliance. The strug- 
gle would have been indefinitely prolonged and probably 
compromised. But the alliance secured our triumph, and 
La Fayette secured the alliance. The fabled argosies of 
ancient^ and the armadas and fleets of modern, times 
were commonplace voyages compared with the mission 
enshrined in this inspired boy. He who stood before the 
Continental Congress and said, ' I wish to serve you as 
a volunteer, and without pay/ and at twenty took his 
place with G-ates, and Green, and Lincoln as major- 
generals in the Continental army. As a member of 
Washington's military family, sharing with that incom- 
parable man his board, and bed, and blanket. La Fayette 
won his first and greatest distinction in receiving from 
the American chief a friendship which was closer than 
that bestowed upon any other of his compatriots, and 
which ended only in death. The great commander saw 
in the reckless daring with which he carried his wound 
to rally the flying troops at Brandywine, the steady 
nerve with which he held the column wavering under 
a faithless general at Monmouth, the wisdom and caution 
with which he manoeuvred inferior forces in the face of 
the enemy, his willingness to share every privation of 
the illy-clad and starving soldiery, and to pledge his for- 
tune and credit to relieve their privations, a commander 
upon whom he could rely, a patriot he could trust, a man 
he could love. 

" The surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga was the first 
decisive event of the war. It defeated the Britisli plan 
to divide the country by a chain of forts up the Hudson 



122 THE LIFE Of" LA FAYETTE, 

and conquer it in detail. It inspired hope at home and 
confidence abroad. It seconded the passionate appeals 
of La Fayette and the marvellous diplomacy of Benjamin 
Franklin ; it overcame the prudent counsels of Necker, 
warning the king against this experiment ; and won the 
treaty of alliance between the old Monarchy and the 
young Republic. La Fayette now saw that his mission 
was in France. He said, ' I can help the cause more at 
home than here,' and asked for leave of absence. Con- 
gress voted him a sword and presented it with a resolu- 
tion of gratitude, and he returned, bearing this letter 
from that convention of patriots to his king, 'We 
recommend this young nobleman to your Majest3^'s 
notice, as one whom we know to be wise in council, 
gallant in the field, and patient under the hardships of 
war.' It was a certificate which Marlborough might 
have coveted, and Gustavus might have worn as the 
proudest of his decorations. But though king and 
court vied with each other in doing him honor, though 
he was welcomed as no Frenchman had ever been by 
triumphal processions in the cities and f^tes in villages, 
by addresses and popular applause, he reckoned them of 
value only in the power they gave him to procure aid for 
Liberty's fight in America. ' France is now committed 
to war,' he argued, 'and her enemy's weak point for 
attack is in America. Send there your money and men.' 
And he returned with the army of Rochambeau and the 
fleet of De Grasse. 

" ' It is fortunate,' said De Maurepas, the prime minis- 
ter, ' that La Fayette did not want to strip Versailles of 
its furniture for his dear Americans, for nobody could 
withstand his ardor.' None too soon did this assistance 
arrive, for Washington's letter to the American commis- 
sioners in Paris passed it on the way, in which he made 



THE KXIGBT OF LIBERTY. 123 

this urgent appeal : ' If France delays a timely and 
powerful aid in the critical posture of our affairs, it will 
avail us nothing should she attempt it hereafter. We 
are at this hour suspended in the balance. In a word, 
we are at the end of our tether, and now or never deliver- 
ance must come.' General Washington saw in the allied 
forces now at his disposal that the triumph of independ- 
ence was assured. The long, dark night of doubt and 
despair was illuminated by the dawn of a hope. The 
material was at hand to carry out the comprehensive 
plans so long matured, so long deferred, so patiently 
kept. That majestic dignity which had never bent to 
adversity, that lofty and awe-inspiring reserve which 
presented an impenetrable barrier to familiarity, either 
in council or at the festive board, so dissolved in the 
welcome of these decisive visitors that the delighted 
French and the astounded American soldiers saw Wash- 
ington for the first and only time in his life express his 
happiness with all the joyous effervescence of hilarious 
youth. 

"The flower of the young aristocracy of France, in 
their brilliant uniforms, and the farmers and frontiers- 
men of America, in their faded continentals, bound by a 
common baptism of blood, became brothers in the knight- 
hood of liberty. With emulous eagerness to be in at the 
death, while they shared the glory, they stormed the 
redoubts at Yorktown, and compelled the surrender of 
Cornwallis and army. While this practically ended the 
war, it strengthened the alliance and cemented the friend- 
ship between the two great peoples. The mutual confi- 
dence and chivalric courtesy which characterized their 
relations has no like example in international comity. 
When an officer from General Carlton, the British com- 
mander-in-chief, came to headquarters with an offer of 



124 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

peace and independence, if the Americans would renounce 
the French alliance, Washington refused to receive him ; 
Congress spurned Carlton's secretary bearing a like mes- 
sage ; and the states, led by Mar}' land, denounced all 
who entertained propositions of peace which were not 
approved by France as public enemies. And peace with 
independence meant prosperity and happiness to a people 
in the very depths of poverty and despair. France, on 
the other hand, though sorely pressed for money, said, 
in the romantic spirit Avhich permeated this wonderful 
union : ' Of the 27,000,000 livres we have loaned you, 
we forgive you 9,000,000 as a gift of friendship, and 
when with years there comes prosperity, you can pay the 
balance without interest.' 

"With the fall of Yorktown La Fayette felt that 
he could do more for peace and independence in the 
diplomacy of Europe than in the war in America. His 
arrival in France shook the continent. Though one of 
the most practical and self-i^oised of men, his romantic 
career in the New World had captivated courts and peo- 
ples. In the formidable league Avhich he had quickly 
formed with Spain and France, England saw humiliation 
and defeat, and made a treaty of peace by which she 
recognized the independence of the Eepublic of the 
United States. 

" The fight for liberty in America was won. Its future 
here was threatened with but one danger, — the slavery 
of the negro. The soul of La Fayette, purified by battle 
and suffering, saw the inconsistency and the peril, and he 
returned to this country to plead with state legislatures 
and with Congress for the liberation of what he termed 
'my brethren, the blacks.' But now the hundred years' 
war for liberty in France Avas to begin. America was its 
inspiration, La Fayette its apostle, and the returning 



THE KNWIiT OF LIBERTY. 125 

French army its emissaries. Beneath the trees by day 
and in the halls at night, at Mount Vernon, La Fayette 
gathered from Washington the gospel of freedom. It 
was to sustain and guide him in after years against the 
temptations of power and the despair of the dungeon. 
He carried the lessons and the grand example through 
all the trials and tribulations of his desperate struggle 
and partial victory for the enfranchisement of his coun- 
try. From the ship, on departing, he wrote to his great 
chief, whom he was never to see again, this touching- 
good by : ' You are the most beloved of all the friends 
I ever had or shall have anywhere. I regret that I can- 
not have the inexpressible pleasure of embracing you in 
my own house, and welcoming you in a family where 
your name is adored. Everything tha^t admiration, re- 
spect, gratitude, friendship, and filial love can inspire is 
combined in my affectionate heart to devote me most 
tenderly to you. In your friendship I find a delight 
which no words can express.' His farewell to Congress 
was a trumpet blast which resounded round a world then 
bound in the chains of despotism and caste. Every gov- 
ernment on the continent was an absolute monarchy, and 
no language can describe the poverty and wretchedness 
of the people. Taxes levied without law exhausted their 
property ; they were arrested without warrant, and rotted 
in the Bastile without trial, and they were shot as game, 
and tortured without redress, at the caprice or pleasure 
of their feudal lords. Into court and camp this message 
came like the handwriting on the wall at Belshazzar's 
feast. Hear his Avords : ' May this immense temple of 
freedom ever stand a lesson to oppressors, an example to 
the oppressed, a sanctuary for the rights of mankind, and 
may these happy United States attain that comi)lete 
splendor and prosperity which will illustrate the bless- 



126 THE LIFE OE LA FAYETTE, 

iiigs of their government, and for ages to come rejoice 
the departed souls of its founders.' Well might Louis 
the Sixteenth, more far-sighted than his ministers, ex- 
claim, ^ After fourteen hundred years of power the old 
monarchy is doomed.' " 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 12i 



CHAPTER V. 

The French Revolution approaching — Ominous Signs — The Price 
of Bread — Causes back of the Famine — Influenc^f the Amer- 
ican llevolution — Reckless Extravagance of tlie French Courts 

— Public Finances in a State of Chaotic Ruin — Maurepas, Tur- 
got, de Clugny, Necker, and C^lonne — Convocation of the No- 
tables — La Fayette chosen a Member — The Direful Financial 
Chasm — The Notables confronted by the Dreadful Deficit — 
La Fayette upholds the People's Rights — His Letter to Wash- 
ington upon Public Affairs — Washington writes of Anigrican 
Prosperity — La Fayette demands the Convocation of the States- 
General — The Notables aghast at Such Audacity — Louis obliged 
to yield to Popular Clamor — Convocation of the States-General 

— La Fayette chosen a Deputy — The Tiers Etat — Their De- 
mands — Their Reception — Their Resolve — Defiance of the 
Tiers Etat — La Fayette joins the National Assembly — His Fa- 
mous Declaration of Iiughts — A Riotous Mob — Storming of 
the Bastile — La Fayette assumes Command of the National 
Guards — His Ideas of Liberty Subservient to Law and Order — 
His Difficult Position — Execution of Foulon — La Fayette's Res- 
ignation — Appeal of the National Guards — La Fayette re- 
sumes Command — Awful Juggernaut of the Revolution — A 
Versailles! — Carlyle's Description — King Louis and Marie An- 
toinette at the Mercy of the Mob — La Fayette rescues them — 
Le Boi a Paris — Versailles deserted. 

*' What is liberty without wisdom and without virtue ? It is the 
greatest of all possible evils ; for it is folly, vice, and madness, witli- 
out tuition or restraint." — Burke. 



PARIS ran red with blood. The ghastly knife of 
the guillotine fell incessantly. The terrible tocsin 
sounded forth its ominous knell under the black mid- 
night sky, and clanged its harsh and horrid discords in 



128 THE LIFE OF* LA FAYETTE, 

the midst of the siiminer's stillness, and the glowing- 
brightness of niidda}^ Why A\'ere these demons of 
chaotic riot let loose upon the doomed city ? Why 
had men, and even women, become like wild beasts, 
thirsting only for blood ? Ah ! there had gone forth 
unheeded another wail, before the aivful cry of Blood! 
Blood ! Blood ! rang through the land. From the homes 
of twenty-live millions of people had ascended the pitiful 
appeal for Bread ! Bread ! Bread I And they had been 
answered only by the exasperating spectacle of gorgeous 
banquets, spread in the splendid salons of Versailles, 
where the weak-minded king and the selfish, short- 
sighted nobles surfeited themselves with luxuries, while 
the people died of starvation unheeded. 

" What is the price of bread ? " asked a stranger of a 
workingman's Avife. " Three francs twelve sous the quar- 
tern," was the answer. " The price is fixed at twelve sous, 
but it is not to be had. My husband is obliged to pass 
a whole day at the door of the baker. He loses his 
wages of three francs ; so that the bread comes to three 
francs twelve sous the quartern." 

But soon it rises to fourteen sous. " A brisk business 
is doing on the bridges, in the open places, v.diere men 
passing with a loaf of bread under their arms re-sell it 
to the workmen for twenty sous." 

" We want powder for our wigs," Jean Jacques Eous- 
seau had said ; " that is the reason of the poor wanting 
bread." 

" And the reproach touches the hearts of actresses and 
fashionable ladies -, they discard powder, or use as little 
as possible : the starch-makers are ordered to employ 
barley instead of wheat ; the pupils of the college Louis 
le Grand resolve to eat rice, and to offer twentv-eight 
sacks of wheat. The king forbids the playing of the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 129 

fountains at the fetes, in order to turn the water to the 
Versailles mills ; but it is of no use : the associates of the 
grain monopoly, the makers of the vile Famine Pact, 
cause a fictitious scarcity by having the markets pil- 
laged, the mills burned, the corn thrown into the river 
by a band of ruffians. Poor Louis is astonished, and be- 
gins to doubt whether he is really king of France." But 
there were other causes back of the famine which led 
to the volcanic outburst of the French Revolution. For 
long years the terrible mine had been preparing beneath 
the French monarchy, and at length exploded with aw- 
ful destruction and blood-curdling horrors. 

The dazzling glory of the gorgeous Louis XVI., with 
all its power and grandeur, was reared over a sleeping 
volcano, destined to shock the continent of Europe, 
when at length its slow fires should unite their direful 
forces for the last mighty eruption. 

The glorious success of the American Revolution 
inspired suffering people in all lands with a clearer hope 
of future freedom. Regarding its effect upon France a 
writer says : — 

" It is difficult to suppose that so many thousand offi- 
cers and soldiers had visited America, and fought in 
behalf of her rights, without being imbued with some- 
thing of a kindred spirit. There they beheld a new and 
happy nation, among whom the pride of birth and the 
distinctions of rank were alike unknown ; there they 
for the first time saw virtue and talents and courage 
rewarded ; there they viewed with surprise a sovereign 
people fighting, not for a master, but themselves, and 
haranguing, deliberating, dispensing justice, and admin- 
istering the laws, by representatives of their own free 
choice. ()n their return the contrast was odious and 
intolerable j they beheld family preferred to merit, 



1;}0 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

influence to justice, wealth to worth; they began to 
examine into a constitution in which the monarch, whom 
they were now accustomed to consider as only the first 
magistrate, was everything, and the people, the fountain 
of all power, merely ciphers ; and they may well be sup- 
posed to have wished, and even languished, for a change. 

"In line, the people being left entirely destitute of 
redress or protection, the royal authority paramount 
and unbounded ; the laws venal, the peasantry oppressed ; 
agriculture in a languishing state, commerce considered 
as degrading ; the public revenues farmed out to greedy 
tinanciers ; the public money consumed by a court wal- 
lowing in luxury ; and every institution at variance with 
justice, policy, and reason, — a change became inevitable 
in the ordinary course of human events ; and, like all 
sudden alterations in corrupt states, was accompanied 
with the temporary evils and crimes that made many 
good men look back on the ancient despotism with a 
sigh. 

" But it was not, however, the influence of the oflicers 
and soldiers fresh from the field of American liberty 
which gave the most fatal blow to the dynasty of the 
Bourbons. The wanton and reckless extravagance of 
past courts, culminating in the splendid lustre of Le 
Grinid Monarque, whose dazzling genius and rod of iron 
won shouts of enthusiastic admiration, even amid the 
groans of oppression, but whose gorgeous state could be 
maintained only at the expense of his people's degrada- 
tion and bondage, followed by the disreputable court 
of the despicable Louis XV., had brought the public 
finances to a condition of chaotic ruin. The annual 
deficit amounted to millions ; and when poor, weak, good- 
natured Louis XVI. ascended the throne, it was even 
then tottering upon the edge of the awful abyss, which 



THE K NIGHT OF LIBERTY. lol 

soon engulfed king and nation in its black and baleful 
horrors. . . . AMien the fearful gulf became visible 
to Louis XYI. and his cabinet, they looked around 
despairingly for some means of escape. Maurepas, Tur- 
got, M. de Clugny, and Necker have each tried to stay 
the coming of the direful doom, but each and all have 
failed. And now M. de Calonne becomes comptroller- 
general, ^ow surely the royal inmates of the (Eil-de- 
Boeuf may breathe more freely. Obstacles seem for a 
while to flee away before this incomparable comptroller- 
general." 

"I fear this is a matter of difficulty,'' said her Majesty, 
Queen Marie Antoinette. — " Madame," replied the com})- 
troller, " if it is but difficult, it is done ; if it is im- 
possible, it shall be done." Truly most admirable was 
such an all-conquering comptroller-general ! 

But deficits will not be removed by promises, however 
prodigal of wind and words, and royal deficits of mil- 
lions form too wide an abyss for even this boastful 
comptroller to bridge. 

" If we cannot cross this yawning gulf at a leap, what 
shall we do ? " ask king and nobles of their pet Calonne. 
"We must hold a Convocation of the Notables,'^ replies 
the intrepid comptroller-general. 

And so the Assembly of the Notables was convened 
by royal proclamation, and on the 22d of February, 17<S7, 
La Fayette, who had been chosen a member from his 
province, took his seat with his associates in this 
memorable gathering. 

And now the dreadful secret must be revealed ; these 
titled notables must be conducted to the edge of this 
terrifying precipice, and made to gaze into the black 
depths of the financial chasm. Consternation blanches 
tlie cheeks of these assembled lords ; but the courage of 



132 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

La Fayette is not extinguished, nor his love of liberty 
impaired, nor his bold spirit benumbed by evils however 
monstrous, or difficulties however defiant. To right the 
wrong is ever his aim, and to remove the root of error is 
always his persevering endeavor. Back of the ruinous 
deficit of millions is a still deeper abyss of evil, into 
which the brave soul of La Fayette courageously gazes ; 
and though startled at the infamous disclosures of cor- 
ruption, injustice, bitter abuses, and shameful oppres- 
sions, he is not apj^alled, but in the face of king and 
nobles he rises chivalrously as the people's champion, 
and demands redress. Though a brother of the king is 
president of this council, though he must protest 
against both monarch and court, with dignified firmness 
he fearlessly exclaims : " I repeat with renewed confi- 
dence the remark that the millions which are dissipated 
are collected by taxation, and that taxation can only be 
justified by the real wants of the state ; that the millions 
abandoned to peculation or avarice are the fruits of 
the labor, the tears, and perhaps the blood of the 
people, and that the computation of unfortunate in- 
dividuals, which has been made for the purpose of 
realizing sums so heedlessly squandered, affords a fright- 
ful subject of consideration for the justice and goodness 
which, w^e feel convinced, are the natural sentiments of 
his Majesty." 

But La Fayette stood alone as the upholder of tlie 
people's rights ; the principles of liberty which he thus 
boldly declared were received with horrified amazement 
by the old aristocracy, and the heart of the w^eak mon- 
arch was filled with strange foreboding. Before the 
Assembly closed its session, the heroic words of La Fay- 
ette had begun to work their brave mission. Threats of 
danger reached his ears ; but his eye did not quail ; he 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. l;33 

was not awed into silence. His enemies proposed to tlie 
king that he shoukl be sent to the Bastile ; but their 
menaces were only received with a smile by La Fayette, 
who dauntlessly continued his efforts in behalf of the 
down-trodden people. 

The following letter from La Fayette to Washington 
will give a clearer insight regarding the opinions of the 
marquis upon public affairs : — 

"Paris, May 25, 1788. 

" My dear General : In the midst of our internal 
troubles it is a great consolation for me to enjoy the 
assured prosperity of my adopted country, because the 
news from America gives me the hope that the constitu- 
tion will be accepted. Permit me ouce more, my dear 
General, to beseech you not to refuse the presidency. 
The constitution, such as is proposed, responds to many 
desires ; but I fear there are, regarding it, certain pas- 
sages which will not be completed without danger, if the 
United States have not the happiness of possessing their 
guardian angel, who will appreciate the advantages and 
disadvantages of each clause, and will be aware, before 
re-entering his quiet retreat, how to determine with pre- 
cision the degree of force which it is indispensable to 
give the government, and to limit those powers which 
one might abuse ; in short, to indicate that which re- 
mains to be done, in order to attain that perfection to 
which the new constitution is nearer than that of any 
other form of government, past or present. 

" The affairs of France are reaching a crisis, of which 
the good results are most uncertain, as the people in gen- 
eral have no inclination to come to extremities. Mourir 
pour la liherte is not the motto upon this side of the 
Atlantic ; as all the classes are more or less dependent, 



134 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

as the rich love their repose, at the same time that the 
poor are enervated by misery and ignorance, we have 
bnt one resource : it is to reason with tliem, and to 
inspire the nation with a sort of passive discontent, or 
non-obedience which will fatigue the levity and baffle 
the plans of government. 

" The Parliaments, in spite of their inefficiency, have 
been the necessary champions to move. You will see by 
the publications — because I have sent you all which have 
appeared — that the king has raised pretensions, and that 
the courts of justice are established upon principles so 
contradictory, that one can scarcely believe that these 
assertions have been declared in the same country and 
in the same age. Affairs cannot remain thus ; the gov- 
ernment has employed the force of arms against the dis- 
armed and expelled magistrates. And the people, say 
you ? — The people, my dear General, have been so be- 
numbed that it has made me sick, and medicines have 
been necessary to cool my blood. That which has greatly 
increased my indignation is a bench of justice where the 
king has created a plenary court composed of judges, of 
peers, and of courtiers, without a single real representa- 
tive of the people, and the impudence of the ministers 
who have dared to say that all the taxes and loans will 
be registered. 

" Thanks to Clod, we have prevailed against them, and 
I begin to hope for a constitution. The magistrates 
have refused to sit in the plenary courts. The thirt}'- 
eight peers, of whom a small number have some sense 
and some courage, will not obey. Some of them, such 
as my friend La Rochefoucauld, conduct themselves 
nobly; the others follow at a distance. The Parlia- 
ments have unanimously protested, and made an appeal 
to the nation. The greater part of the inferior courts 



THE KXWHT OF LIBERTY. VSb 

represent the new regime. Discontent is displayed 
everywhere, and in seA^eral provinces has not been re- 
pressed. The clergy who hnd themselves assembled at 
this time make remonstrances ; the advocates refuse to 
plead; the government is embarrassed, and begins to 
resort tc apologies ; the governors in some cities have 
been pelted by stones and mud. 

"In the midst of these troubles and of this anarchy 
the friends of liberty fortify themselves daily, close the 
ear to all negotiations, and declare that they will have a 
National Assembly or nothing. 

"Such, my dear General, is our present situation. 
For my part, I shall be satisfied to think that, after 
a little, I shall be in an assembly of the representatives 
of the French nation, or at Mount Vernon. 

"I am so absorbed by these affairs that I will say 
little to you upon European politics. My disapproba- 
tion of the projects of the administration, and the small 
attempts I have made against it, have forced me to dis- 
continue to see the archbishop ; but I become more 
united to him and to the keeper of the seals, the more 
I have made clear my indignation against the infernal 
plan. I am well pleased that the decree regarding 
America was passed before these troubles, and I occupy 
myself, through other ministers, in endeavoring to sup- 
press totally the duties upon oil and whalebone, so 
that the French and American negotiations will be 
placed upon a basis of equality, even under the revenue 
premiums, and that without obliging the fishermen to 
leave the coasts of their country. If we become re- 
united, it will be necessary to consider immediately the 
commerce with the West Indies. 

" I am happy that we have here M. Jefferson for an 
ambassador; his talents, his virtues, his excellent char- 



13G THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

acter, all constitute a great statesman, a zealous citizen, 
and a precious friend. 

"I pray you, my dear General, to receive my tender 
homages, etc." 

Eegarding Washington's feelings in view of accepting 
the presidency, the following lines to La Fayette upon 
that subject will not be without interest. They were 
written in answer to La Fayette's ardently expressed 
hopes that his revered commander-in-chief would not 
refuse the important office which the needs of his country 
forced upon him. The letter was written in 1788. 

"I have but a few things, nothing new, except to 
respond to the opinion which you have already ex- 
pressed. You think that it will be expedient to accept 
the office of which you speak ; your sentiments are more 
in accordance with those of my other friends than with 
mine. 

" In truth, the difficulties appear to me to multiply and 
increase in approaching the period when in accordance 
with the general belief it will be necessary to give a 
dehnite response. In case the circumstances should in 
some sort force upon me my acceptance, be assured, my 
dear sir, that I accept the burden with sincere reluctance 
and with great self-distrust — that which will probably 
be little credited by the Avorld. 

" If I know well the bottom of my heart, the convi"- 
tion that I fulfil a duty will alone determine me to 
resume an active part in public affairs ; at that time I 
shall endeavor to form a plan of conduct, and at the risk 
of losing my past reputation and my present popularity ; 
I will work without respite to remove may fellow-citizens 
from the difficult situation vrhere they find themselves, 
in need of credit; and- to establish a system of politics 



1 



THE KyiGJlT OF LIBERTY. VA7 

whicli, if it will be followed, \\'ill insure their future 
power and prosperity. 

" I believe I perceive a ray of light illuminating the 
way which leads to that end. The present state of 
affairs and the tendency of public opinion give me the 
hope that there will result union, honesty, industry, and 
frugality — those four pillars of public felicity." 

But this encouraging picture of American affairs was 
offset by direful scenes in France. 

Feeling that justice demanded that if the people were 
to be taxed they should be represented, La Fayette 
offered to the Assembly a memorial for the king, in 
which he entreated his Majesty to convoke a National 
Assembly, which might accomplish the regeneration of 
France. 

''What, sir!" exclaimed the President of the Council, 
starting from his seat in astonishment ; " do you ask for 
the convocation of the States-G-eneral ? " 

" Yes, my lord, and even more than that," was La Fay- 
ette's dauntless reply. 

" You wish me then to write and announce to the king 
that the Marquis de La Fayette moves to convoke the 
States-General ? " 

"Yes, my lord," calmly answered the marquis. 

This daring proposition appalled the Notables, but was 
hailed with shouts of acclamation by the public. The 
States-General was first convoked by Philippe le Bel, in 
1803, and had only rarely assembled since that time. 
The despotic governments looked upon this institution 
with abhorrence, for in it the common people were repre- 
sented. It was composed of the three estates of the 
kingdom, — the nobles, the clergy, and tiers etat, or com- 
mon people, — and Louis and his court were determined if 
possible to avoid this dreaded Assembly. But the shout 



138 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

rang out from every quarter of France, in answer to the 
clarion bugle note which La Fayette had so bravely 
sounded even in the very midst of the enemy's camp. 
'' Give us the States-General ! " From the Alps and the 
Pyrenees, the shores of the Mediterranean, and the bor- 
ders of the Channel, was re-echoed the wild cry, " Give 
us the States-General ! " And Louis, unable to resist 
the raging tempest of popular opinion, yielded to their 
demand, and the States-General was by royal edict con- 
vened on the 5th of May, 1789. 

La Fayette was chosen a deputy by the nobility of 
Auvergne. To say "let States-General be" was easy; 
to say in what manner they shall be is not so easy. 
'' How to shape the States-General ? There is a problem. 
Each body corporate, each privileged, each organized 
class, has secret hopes of its own in that matter, and also 
secret misgivings of its oavu; for, behold, this mon- 
strous twenty-million class, hitherto the dumb sheep 
which these others had to agree about the manner of 
shearing, is now also arising with hopes ! It has ceased 
or is ceasing to be dumb ; it speaks through pamphlets, 
or at least brays and growls behind them, in unison, 
increasing wonderfully their volume of sound. Wliat is 
the third estate? What has it hitherto been in our form of 
government? Notliing. What does it ivant? To become 
something." These are questions and answers which 
must now be met. The Assembly was opened with great 
pomp. A solemn procession in which king, nobles, 
clergy, and the tiers etat all repaired in grand state to 
Notre Dame, paraded through the streets, and formed a 
splendid spectacle which was greeted by the people with 
joyous demonstrations and loud acclamations. 

At the first meeting of the Assembly, the three orders 
convened in separate departments. Here arose the first 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 139 

difficulty. The nobles and the clergy were unwilling to 
meet with the representatives of the coniiuon people, and 
the tiers etat were determined to maintain their contested 
rights. La Fayette advocated the cause of the tiers etat 
in the assembly of the nobles, but the aristocracy would 
not yield, and at the end of five weeks the States-General 
as a united body was still inactive. At length the tiers 
etat resolved upon momentous action. They formed them- 
selves into a legislative body, under the name of the 
National Assembly, and declared their intention to ac- 
complish political reform. The king and nobles received 
this luiexpected news Avith consternation. La Fayette 
warmly urged a union between the departments, but the 
king and aristocracy refused. Louis then determined to 
awe these rebellious subjects to submission. He ordered 
the doors of the hall where the tiers etat usually met to 
be closed and guarded. When the members gathered 
and found their usual place of meeting denied them, they 
proceeded to another, and thereupon issued their defiant 
demand, — A Constitution for the French People; and they 
solemnly declared with oath, in view of the indignity 
which had been offered to them by the crown, " never to 
separate, and to assemble whenever circumstances should 
require, till the constitution of the kingdom should be 
established and founded on a solid basis." 

At length, on the 23d of June, the king and nobles as- 
sembled in the hall formerly occupied by the tiers etat, 
and after some delay the doors were opened to that body, 
and the king reproached them for taking the title of 
National Assembly, and bade them renounce it, and also 
commanded that the Assembly should immediately sepa- 
rate. The king then left the hall, followed by the nobles 
and part of the clergy. But scarcely had the sound of 
the footsteps of royalty died away ere a man arose in 



140 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

the Assembly. It was Mirabeau. AVitli eyes flashing 
like stars from the gloomy shadows of his pock-marked, 
disflgured countenance, he exclaimed : — 

" What means this insulting dictation ? this threat- 
ening display of arms ? this flagrant violation of the 
national temple ? Who is it that dictates to you the 
way in which you shall be happy ? He who acts by 
your commission. Who is it that gives you imperious 
laws ? He who acts by your commission, — the minis- 
ter, who by your appointment is vested Avitli the execu- 
tion of the laws, — of laws which we only have a right 
to make. 

" To us, twenty-five millions of people are looking to 
guard from further desecration the sacred ark of liberty, 
to release them from the burdensome yoke which has so 
long crushed them, and to give them back their own in- 
alienable right to peace, liberty, and happiness. Gentle- 
men, an attempt is made to destroy the freedom of your 
deliberations. The iron chain of despotic proscription is 
laid upon you. A military force surrounds your As- 
sembly. Where are the enemies of France ? Is Cati- 
line at our gates ? Cxentlemen ! I demand that, clothing 
yourself in your dignity and your legislative authority, 
you remain firm in the sacredness of your oath, which 
does not permit us to separate till we have framed a 
constitution — till we have given a Magna Charta to 
France." 

Then as the grand master of ceremonies again reminded 
the Assembly of the commands of the king, Mirabeau ex- 
claimed, " Go and tell your master that we are here by 
the order of the people, and that we shall depart only at 
the point of the bayonet." 

La Fayette, with the forty-seven who had stood by his 
side in declaring the expediency of uniting with the 




"GO AND TKLL YOUR MASTER THAT WE ARE HERE BY THE ORDER 
OF THE PEOPLE. " 



THE KXWllT UF LIBERTY. 141 

commons, now left the nobility, and took his seat in the 
National Assembly. The king and aristocracy, finding 
at length that their resistance was useless, submitted to 
the popular demand, and on the 27th of June the three 
orders met together and commenced their united deliber- 
ations. 

La Fayette was closely observed by all parties. He 
spoke often in the Assembly, and always on the side of 
freedom. 0\\ the lltli of July he brought forward his 
famous Declaration of Riglits ; which after a long and 
stormy debate, during which it was warmly supported by 
the republicans, and denounced by the adherents of des- 
potism, was adopted ; and the name of La Fayette, " THE 
PEOPLE'S FEIEXD ! " was on every lip and enshrined 
in every heart throughout the kingdom. 

This renowned Declaration of Eights reads as follows : — 

"iSTature has made all men free and equal; the dis- 
tinctions which are necessary for social order are founded 
alone on the public good. 

" Man is born with inalienable and imprescriptible rights, 
such as the unshackled liberty of opinion, the care of his 
honor and life, the right of property, the complete con- 
trol over his person, his industr}^, and all his faculties ; 
the free expression of his opinion in every possible man- 
ner ; the worship) of the Almighty ; and resistance against 
oppression. 

"The exercise of natural rights has no other limits 
than those which are necessary to secure their enjoy- 
ment to every member of society. 

"Xo man can be made subject to laws which he has 
not sanctioned, either himself, or through his representa- 
tives, and which have not been properly promulgated 
and legally executed. 

•• The principle of all sovereignty rests in the people. 



142 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

No body or individual can possess any authority which 
does not expressly emanate from the nation. 

"The sole end of all government is the public good. 
That good demands that the legislative, executive, and 
judicial powers should be distinct and defined, and that 
their organization should secure the free representation 
of the citizens, the responsibility of their deputies, and 
the impartiality of the judges. 

" The laws ought to be clear, precise, and uniform in 
their operation toward every class of citizens. 

" Subsidies ought to be liberally granted and the taxes 
proportionally distributed. 

" And as the introduction of abuses and the rights of 
succeeding generations will require the revisions of all 
human institutions, the nation ought to possess the power, 
in certain cases, to summon an extraordinary assembly 
of deputies, whose sole object shall be to examine and 
correct, if it be necessary, the faults of the constitution." 

On the 14th of July a riotous crowd march to the In- 
valides, and having armed themselves Avith the twenty- 
eight thousand muskets found there, and dragging twenty 
cannon, they proceed to storm the Bastile. After five 
hours the Bastile is taken by the people, and the Eevo- 
lution, which might perhaps have been stayed l)y differ- 
ent measures on the part of the government, is hence- 
forth destined to work out its direful doings. 

The National Guard, composed of citizens rather than 
mercenary soldiers, was now formed, and La Fayette was 
entrusted with the command. The key of the demolished 
Bastile was given to him, as the most worthy person to 
receive this memorial of past oppression. La Fayette 
was now looked up to by the people as their defender, 
and the masses gave him warm but fickle homage. 
Toulongeon says of him : "La Fayette, whose name and 



J 




THE CROWD ARM THEMSELVES FROM THE INVALIDES. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 14o 

reputation acquired in America were associated with 
liberty itself, was at the head of the Parisian National 
Guard. He enjoyed at once that entire confidence and 
public esteem which are due to great qualities. The 
faculty of raising the spirits, or rather of infusing fresh 
courage into the heart, was natural to him. His external 
appearance Avas youthful and bold, which is always pleas- 
ing to the multitude. His manners were simple, popular, 
and engaging. He possessed everything which is want- 
ing to commence and terminate a revolution, — the bril- 
liant qualities of military activity and the calm confidence 
of courage in times of public commotion. La Fayette 
was equal to everything, if everything had been done 
fairly and openly ; but he was unacquainted with the 
dark and narroAV road of intrigue.'' 

La Fayette's idea of liberty was always accompanied 
with a firm belief in law and order ; it was not the lib- 
erty of unbridled license. When he first upheld the 
Revolution in France, it was with the same spirit with 
which he had aided the American Revolution, contend- 
ing only for liberty and order; and when, during the 
Reign of Terror, riot and license held the reins of power, 
then La Fayette was to be found not in sympathy with 
this Avild, reckless turmoil, but always standing by the 
recognized government, though that government were 
even a monarchy, and risking his own life to save those 
royal lives, who so poorly repaid his generous and 
chivalrous devotion as even to turn with contemptuous 
coldness toward him who had sacrificed his own popu- 
larity to save them from destruction. 

At the head of the jSTational Guard La Fayette had a 
most diificult task to perform during those days of riot- 
ous commotion. His sympathies were with the o^^pressed 
people; his duty was to maintain public order; his loy- 



144 THE LIFE 6f I, a FAYETTE, 

alty made him true to his king. When the unfortunate 
minister Foulon was seized by the mob and dragged be- 
fore the Assembly, where the rioters clamored loudly 
for his death, La Fayette thus appealed to the furious 
crowd : — 

" I am known to you all ; you have appointed me your 
commander, — a station ' which, while it confers honor, 
imposes upon me the duty of speaking to you with that 
liberty and candor which form the basis of my character. 
You wish, without a trial, to put to death the man who 
is before you ; such an act of injustice would dishonor 
you ; it would disgrace me ; and were I weak enough to 
permit it, it would blast all the efforts wliich I have 
made in favor of liberty. I will not permit it. I am 
far from desiring to save him, if he be guilty ; I only 
wish that the orders of the Assembly should be carried 
into execution, and that this man be conducted to prison, 
to be judged by a legal tribunal. I wish the law to be 
respected ; law, without which there can be no liberty ; 
law, without whose aid I would never have contributed 
to the revolution of the New AVorld, and without which I 
will not contribute to the revolution which is preparing 
here. What I advance in favor of the forms of law 
ought not to be interpreted in favor of M. Foulon. But 
the greater the presumption of his guilt is, the more im- 
portant is it that the usual fornudities should be observed 
in his case, so as to render his punishment more striking, 
and by legal examinations, to discover his accomplices. 
I therefore command that he be conducted to the prison 
of L'Abbaye St. Germain." 

These remarks were hailed with applause by those 
within hearing of them 5 but at this moment a fresh mol) 
broke into the Assembly, and set u]) a furious yell for 
vengeance; and notwithstanding tlie loud intercessions 



THE KNWHT OF LIBERTY. 14;") 

of La Fayette, deaf to everything but tlieir wild fury, 
the rioters seized the hated Fouhni, and rushing forth, 
hanged him to a hinip post in front of the H6tel de Ville. 
Liberty and Law may both be spoken abnost synony- 
mously with the name of La Fayette. His abhorrence 
of such lawless acts of vengeance was as strong as his 
zeal for freedom. Horrified at the lawlessness of the 
populace, and feeling that his honor was thereby jeopard- 
ized, La Fayette determined to resign his office as com- 
mander-in-chief of the National Guard, which he did in 
the following letter addressed to the mayor of Paris : — 

'' Sir : Summoned by the confidence of its citizens to 
the military command of the capital, I have uniformly 
declared that in the present state of affairs it was neces- 
sary, to be useful, that confidence should be full and 
universal. I have steadily declared to the people that, 
although devoted to their interest to my last breath, yet 
I was incapable of purchasing their favor by unjustly 
yielding to their wishes. You are aware, sir, that one 
of the individuals who perished yesterday was placed 
under a guard, and that the other was under the escort 
of our troops, both being sentenced by the civil power to 
undergo a regular trial. Such were the proper means to 
satisfy justice, to discover their accomplices, and to ful- 
fil the solemn engagements of every citizen toward the 
National Assembly and the king. 

" The people would not hearken to my advice ; and the 
moment when the confidence which they promised, and 
reposed in me, is lost, it becomes my duty, as I have be- 
fore stated, to abandon a post in which I can no longer 
be useful. I am, with respect, 

"La Fayette." 



146 THE LIFE 0^ LA FAYETTE, 

The news of La Fayette's resignation spread consterna- 
tion throughout the city. The National Guard flocked 
aromid him to beseech him to retain his position as their 
commander. The mayor and council Avaited upon him at 
midnight, to solicit him to withdraw his resignation. But 
La Fayette calmly declined, and the next day appeared 
before the Assembly to state his reasons for so doing, in 
the following dignified and courteous terms : — 

"Gentlemen, I come to acknowledge the last testi- 
monies of your kindness with all the warmth of a heart 
whose first desire, after that of serving the people, is to 
be loved by them, and to express my astonishment at the 
importance they deign to attach to an individual, in a 
free country, where nothing should be of real importance 
except law. If my conduct on this occasion could be 
regulated by my sentiments of gratitude and affection, I 
should only reply to the regrets with which you and the 
National Guard had honored me by yielding obedience 
to your entreaties ; but, as I was guided by no feeling of 
private interest when I formed that resolution, so also, in 
the midst of the various causes for agitation that sur- 
round us, I cannot allow myself to be governed by my 
private affections. 

" Gentlemen, when I received such touching i^roofs of 
affection, too much was done for me and too little for the 
law. I am convinced how well my comrades love me, but 
I am still ignorant to what degree they cherish the i)rin- 
ciples on which liberty is founded. Deign to make known 
to the National Guard this sincere avowal of my senti- 
ments. To command them, it is necessary that I should 
feel certain that they unanimously believe that the fate 
of the constitution depends upon the execution of law, 
the only sovereign of a free people; that individual 
liberty, the security of each man's home, religious liberty, 



THE K NIGHT OF LIBERTY. 147 

and respect for legitimate authority, are duties as sacred 
to them as to myself. We require not only courage and 
vigilance, but unanimity, in these principles ; and I 
thought, and still think, that the constitution will be 
better served by my resignation, on the grounds I have 
given, than by my acquiescence in the request with which 
you have deigned to honor me." 

The National Guards were already assembled, impa- 
tiently awaiting La Fayette's answer ; and upon receiv- 
ing this decision, they immediately passed the following 
resolution : — 

" The National Assembly has decreed that the public forces 
should be obedient, and a portion of the Parisian army has 
shown itself essentially disobedient. General La Fayette has 
onlv ceased to command that army because they have ceased to 
obey law. He requires a complete submission to the law, not 
a servile attachment to his person. Let the battalions assemble. 
Let each citizen-soldier swear on his word and honor to obey 
the law. Let those who refuse be excluded from the National 
Guards. Let the wdsh of the army, thus regenerated, be carried 
to General La Fayette, and he will conceive it his duty to re- 
sume command." 

After some hesitation La Fayette resolved to resume 
his command, and withdrew his resignation. His desires 
were only for the public good. When urged by the muni- 
cipality of Paris to accept some remuneration for his ser- 
vices, he unselfishly replied : — 

" My private fortune secures me from want. It has 
outlasted two revolutions ; and should it survive a third, 
through the complaisance of the people, it shall belong 
to them alone." 

Mirabeau said of La Fayette : " There is one man in 
the state who, from his position, is exposed to the hazard 



146 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

of all events ; to whom successes can offer no compensa- 
tion for reverses ; and who is, in some manner, answer- 
able for the repose, we may even say the safety, of the 
public, — and that man is La Fayette." 

But La Fayette was not superhuman. His arm could 
not turn backward the awful Juggernaut of the on- 
coming revolution. The corruption and oppression of 
past centuries could not be wiped out by the untarnished 
l^uritj" of life and principles of this self-sacrificing Knight 
of Liberty. And beneath the bloody wheels of the huge 
Juggernaut of license, — law, liberty, and La Fayette 
were all to be ruthlessly sacrificed. 

The sword of Damocles hung suspended over the head 
of the unfortunate king, and the throne was tottering, 
soon to be engulfed in hopeless ruin. 

On the morning of the 5th of October, a woman, fren- 
zied with hunger, rushed into a guard-house, and seizing 
a drum, ran with it along the streets, accompanying her 
wild beating with the frantic cry of ^' Bread ! bread I " 
As the crowd increases, every voice takes up the shrill 
shriek for bread, until at last the mad chorus changes to 
a furious clamor, and the words " To Versailles ! " " ^ 
Versailles ! " ring out in hoarse yells from street to street, 
and the alarm bell sounds the direful tocsin which sends 
a knell of desjiair to every listener's heart. 

The news of the riot reaches La Fayette, and he saj^s : 
" As soon as the tidings reached me, I instantly perceived 
that, whatever might be the consequence of this move- 
ment, the public safety required that I should take part 
in it, and after having received from the Hdtel de Ville 
an order and two commissaries, I hastily provided for the 
security of Paris, and took the road to Versailles, at the 
head of several battalions." 

Alarmed lest the Guard themselves might be induced 



4i 






THE CROWD SHOUT, "TO VERSAILLES." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 149 

to join in the revolt, he halted on the way and made 
every one renew his oath of fidelity to the king and 
obedience to the law. A description of this momentous 
march is nowhere so quaintly and so graphically told as 
by Carlyle, who, in spite of certain sarcasms, seems to 
appreciate La Fayette's difficult position, and surely it 
would seem as though only the grim irony of fate could 
have placed this Knight of Liberty in the midst of such 
lawless rioters : and yet, throughout all these trying cir- 
cumstances. La Fayette is not once inconsistent to his 
avowed principles ; and whether he sympathizes with 
the people's wrongs, or endeavors to shield his king from 
their furious attacks, he is ever true to his priuciples of 
right and honor. 

And so we will let Carlyle take La Fayette to Ver- 
sailles in his own inimitable way. 

" The Three Hundred have assembled ; all the Com- 
mittees are in activity ; Lafayette is dictating despatches 
for Versailles, when a deputation of the Centre Grena- 
diers introduces itself to him. The deputation makes 
military obeisance ; and thus speaks, not without a kind 
of thought in it : ' Man General, we are deputed by the 
six companies of Grenadiers. We do not think you a 
traitor, but we think the government betrays you ; it is 
time that this end. We cannot turn our bayonets against 
women crying to us for bread. The people are miserable ; 
the source of the mischief is at Versailles ; we must go 
seek the king, and bring him to Paris. We must exter- 
minate [exterminer'] the Regiment de Flandre and the 
Gardes-du- Corps, who have dared to trample on the Na- 
tional Cockade. 

" ' If the king be too weak to wear his crown, let him 
lay it down. You will crown his son ; you will name a 
Council of Regency, and all will go better.' 



150 IHE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" lieproacliful astonishment paints itself on the face 
of La Fayette, speaks itself from his elocpient chivalrons 
lips in vain. ' My General, we would shed the last drop 
of our blood for you, but the root of the mischief is at 
Versailles ; we must go and bring- the king to Paris ; all 
the people wish it ' (tout le peuple le veut). 

" My General descends to the outer staircase, and ha- 
rangues once more in vain. ' To Versailles ! To Ver- 
sailles ! ' Mayor Baill}^, sent for through floods of 
Sansculottism, attempts academic oratory from his gilt 
state-coach, realizes nothing but inflnite hoarse cries of, 
' Bread ! To Versailles ! ' and gladly shrinks within 
doors. La Fayette mounts the white charger ; and again 
harangues and reharangues, with eloquence, with firm- 
ness, indignant demonstration, with all things but per- 
suasion. 

"' To Versailles! To Versailles ! ' so lasts it hour after 
hour, for the space of half a day. 

" The great Scipio-Americanus can do nothing ; not so 
much as escape. ' Morhleu, mon General!' cry the 
Grenadiers, serrying their ranks as the white charger 
makes a motion that way ; • you will not leave us, you will 
abide with us I ' A perilous juncture ; Mayor Bailly and 
the Municipals sit (piaking within doors ; My General is 
prisoner without; the Place de Greve, with its thirty 
thousand regulars, its whole irregular. Saint Antoine and 
Saint Marceau, is one minatory mass of clear or rusty 
steel; all hearts set, with a moody fixedness, on one 
object. Moody, fixed are all hearts : tranquil is no 
heart, if it be not that of the white charger, who paws 
there with arched neck, composedly champing his bit, as 
if no world, with its Dynasties and Eras, were now rush- 
ing down. The drizzly day bends westward ; the cry is 
still. ' To Versailles I ' 



ki 



THE KNWUT OF LinEUTY. V)\ 

" Nay, now, borne from afar, come quite sinister cries ; 
hoarse, reverberating in long-drawn hollow murmurs, 
with syllables too like those of 'Layiterne!^ Or else, 
irregular Sansculottism may be marching off, of itself, 
with pikes ; nay, with cannon. The inflexible Scipio 
does at length, by aide-de-camp, ask of the Municipals 
whether or not he may go. A letter is handed out to 
him, over armed heads ; sixty thousand faces flash fix- 
edly on his ; there is stillness, and no bosom breathes till 
he has read. By Heaven, he grows suddenly pale ! Do 
the Municipals permit ? ' Permit, and even order,' since 
he can no other. Clangor of approval rends the welkin. 
To your ranks, then ; let us march ! 

" It is, as we compute, towards three in the afternoon. 
Indignant National Guards may dine for once from their 
haversacks ; dined or undined, they march with one 
heart. Paris flings up her windows, ' claps hands,' as the 
Avengers Avith their shrilling drums and shalms tramp 
by ; she will then sit pensive, apprehensive, and pass 
rather a sleepless night. 

" On the white charger. La Fayette, in the slowest 
possible manner, going and coming, and eloquently ha- 
ranguing among the ranks, rolls onward with his thirty 
tliousand. Saint Antoine, with pike and cannon, has 
])receded him ; a mixed multitude of all and of no arms 
hovers on his flanks and skirts ; the country once more 
pauses agape : Paris marche sur nous. 

" Towards midnight lights flare on the hill ; La Fay- 
ette's lights ! The roll of his drums come up the Avenue 
de Versailles. With peace or with war ? Patience, 
friends I With neither. La Fayette is come, but not 
yet the catastrophe. 

'' He has halted and harangued so often on the march ; 
spent nine hours on four leagues of road. At Montreuil, 



151' THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

close on Versailles, the whole host had to pause, and, 
with uplifted right hand in the murk of night, to these 
pouring skies, swear solemnly to respect the king's 
dwelling, to be faithful to king and National Assembly. 
Rage is driven down out of sight by the laggard march ; 
the thirst of vengeance slaked in weariness and soaking 
clothes. Flandre is again drawn out under arms ; but 
Flandre grown so patriotic, now needs no 'exterminat- 
ing.' The wayworn battalions halt in the Avenue ; they 
have, for the present, no wish so pressing as that of 
shelter and rest. 

''Anxious sits President Mounier; anxious the Cha- 
teau. There is a message coming from the Chateau, 
that M. Mounier would please to return thither with a 
fresh deputation swiftly, and so at least unite our two 
anxieties. Anxious Mounier does of himself send, mean- 
while, to appraise the general that his Majesty has been 
so gracious as to grant us the acceptance pure and sim- 
ple. The general, with a small advance column, makes 
answer in passing, speaks vaguely some smooth words to 
the ]Srational President, glances only with the eye at 
that so mixtiform National Assembly, then fares forward 
towards the Chateau. There are with him two Paris 
Municipals; they were chosen from the three hundred 
for that errand. He gets admittance through the locked 
and padlocked gates, through sentries and ushers, to the 
royal halls. 

"The court, male and female, crowds on his passage 
to read their doom on his face, which exhibits, say histo- 
rians, a ' mixture of sorrow, of fervor and valor,' singu- 
lar to behold. The king, with Monsieur, with ministers 
and marshals, is waiting to receive him. He ' is come,' 
in his highflown chivalrous way, 'to offer his head for 
the safety of his Majesty's.' The two Municipals state 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 150 

the wish of Paris ; four things of quite pacific tenor. 
First, that the honor of guarding his sacred person be 
conferred on patriot National Guards, say the Centre 
G-renadiers, who as Gardes Francaises were wont to have 
that privilege. Second, that provisions be got if possi- 
ble. Third, that the prisons, all crowded with political 
delinquents, may have judges sent them. Fourth, that 
it would xMase his Majesty to come and live in Paris. To 
all which four Avishes, except the fourth, his Majesty 
answers readily Yes ; or indeed may almost s.ay that he 
has already answered it. To the fourth he can answer 
only Yes or No, would so gladly answer Yes and, No ! 
But in any case, are not their dispositions, thank Heaven, 
so entirety pacific ? There is time for deliberation. The 
brunt of the danger seems past. 

" La Fayette and D'Estaing settle the watches ; Centre 
G-renadiers are to take the guard-room, they of old occu- 
pied as Gardes Fran(^aises; for indeed the Gardes-de- 
Corps, its late ill-advised occupants, are gone mostly to 
Rambouillet. That is the order of this night ; sufficient 
for the night is the evil thereof. Whereupon La Fayette 
and the two Municipals, with highflown chivalry take 
their leave. 

"So brief has the interview been, Mounier and his 
deputation were not yet got up. So brief and satisfac- 
tory, a stone is rolled from every heart. The fair palace 
dames publicly declare that this La Fayette, detestable 
though he be, is their saviour for once. Even the ancient 
vinaigrous Tantes admit it ; the king's aunts, ancient 
Graille and Sisterhood, known to us of old. Queen 
Marie Antoinette has been heard often to say the like. 

" Towards three in the morning all things are settled ; 
the watches set, the Centre Grenadiers put into their old 
guard-room, and harangued ; the Swiss and few remain- 



154 THE LIFE pF LA FAYETTE, 

ing body-guard harangued. The wayworu Paris battal- 
ions, consigned to the hospitality of Versailles, lie 
dormant in spare beds, spare barracks, coffee-houses, 
empty churches. 

" The troublous day has brawled itself to rest ; no 
lives yet lost but that of one war-horse. Insurrectionary 
Chaos lies slumbering round the palace like ocean round 
a diving-bell, — no crevice yet disclosing itself. Deep 
sleep has fallen promiscuously on the high and on the 
low, suspending most things, even wrath and famine. 
Darkness covers the earth. But, far on the northeast, 
Paris flings up her great yellow gleam far into the wet, 
black night. For all is illuminated there, as in the old 
July nights ; the streets deserted, for alarm of war ; the 
municipals all wakeful ; patrols hailing with their hoarse 
Who goes? 

"La Fayette, in the Hotel de Xdailles, not far from 
the Chdteau, having now finished haranguing, sits with 
his officers, consulting. At five o'clock the unanimous 
best counsel is, that a man so tossed and toiled for 
twenty-four hours and more, fling himself on a bed and 
seek some rest. . . . 

" The dull dawn of a new morning, drizzly and chill, 
had but broken over Versailles. Rascality is in the 
Grand Court. . . . Barricading serves not ; fly fast, ye 
body-guards : rabid Insurrection, like the hell-bound 
chase, uproaring at your heels. . . . ' Save the Queen ! ' 
Tremble not, women, but haste, for, lo I another voice 
shouts far through the outermost door, ' Save the 
Queen ! ' It is brave Miomandre's voice that shouts 
this second warning. He has stormed across imminent 
death to do it ; fronts imminent death, having done it. . . . 

" Trembling maids-of-honor hastily wrap the queen, not 
in robes of state. She flies for her life across the CEil' 



1 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 155 

de-Boeaf^ against the main door of which, too, Insnrrec- 
tion batters. She is in the king's apartment, in the 
king's arms ; she clasps her ehihlren amid a faithful fe^^^ 
The imperial-hearted bursts into mother's tears : ' my 
friends, save me and my children' (0 mes cwiis, sauvez- 
moi et mes enfants!). The battering of insurrectionary 
axes clangs audible across the (Eil-de-Boeuf. What an 
hour ! . . . 

''Now, too. La Fayette, suddenly aroused, not from 
sleep (for his eyes had not yet closed), arrives, with pas- 
sionate eloquence, with prompt military word of com- 
mand. National Guards, suddenly roused by sound of 
trumpet and alarm drum, are all arriving. The death- 
melly ceases ; the first sky-lambent blaze of insurrection 
is got damped down ; it burns now, if unextinguished, yet 
tlameless, as charred coals do, and not extinguishable. 
The king's apartments are safe. Ministers, officials, and 
even some loyal national deputies are assembling round 
their Majesties. Now, too, is witnessed the touching last 
flicker of eticiuette, whicli sinks not here in the Cimme- 
rian world-wreckage without a sign ! as the house cricket 
might still chirp in the pealing of a trump of doom. 
'Monsieur,' said some master of ceremonies, as La Fay- 
ette, in these fearful moments, was rushing towards the 
inner royal apartments, 'Monsieur^ le roi vans accords les 
grcmdes entrees ' (Monsieur, the king grants you the grand 
entries ) — not finding it convenient to refuse them. 

"However, the Paris National (ruard, wholly under 
arms, has cleared the Palace, and even occupies the 
nearer external spaces, extruding miscellaneous patriot- 
ism, for the most part, into the grand court, or even into 
the forecourt. The body-guards, you can observe, have 
now of a verity hoisted the national cockade, for they 
step forward to the windows or balconies, hat aloft in 



156 THE LIFE QF LA FAYETTE, 

hand; on each hat a huge tricolor, and fling over their 
bandoleers in sign of surrender, and shout, Vive la 
nation I To which how can the generous heart respond but 
with, Vive le roi! vivent les gardes-du-corps ! His Majesty 
himself has appeared with La Fayette on the balcony, 
and again appears. Vive le roi ! greets him. Her Majesty, 
too, on demand, shows herself, though there is peril in 
it. 'Should I die,' she said, 'I will do it.' She stands 
there alone, her hands serenely crossed on her breast. 
Such serenity of heroism has its effect. La Fayette, 
with ready wit, in his highflown, chivalrous way, takes 
that fair, queenly hand and, reverently kneeling, kisses 
it ; thereupon the people do shout, Vive la reine ! 

" So that all, and the queen herself, nay, the very cap- 
tain of the body-guards, have grown national ! The very 
captain of the body-guards steps out now with La Fay- 
ette. On the hat of the repentant man is an enormous 
tricolor, large as a soup platter or sunflower, visible to 
the utmost forecourt. He takes the national oath with 
a loud voice, elevating his hat ; at which sight all the 
army raise their bonnets on their bayonets, with shouts. 
Sweet is re 'conciliation to the heart of man. La Fayette 
has sworn Flandre ; he swears the remaining body-guards 
down in the Marble Court; the people clasp them in 
their arms : my brothers, why would ye force us to 
slay you ? Behold, there is joy over you, as over return- 
ing prodigal sons ! The poor body-guards, now national 
and tricolor, exchange bonnets, exchange arms ; there 
shall be peace and fraternity. And still, ^Vive le roiT 
and also, ' Le roi cl Paris ! ' 

"Yes, f/ie king to Paris; what else? Ministers may 
consult, and national deputies wag their heads ; but 
there is now no other possibility. You have forced him 
to go willingly. ' At one o'clock ! ' La Fayette gives 






THE KNtGHT OF LIBERTY. l57 

audible assurance to that purpose; and universal insur- 
rection, with immeasurable shout and a discharge of all 
the firearms, clear and rusty, great and small, that it has, 
returns him acceptance. What a sound ! heard for 
leagues ! a doom-peal ! That sound, too, rolls away 
into the silence of ages. And the Chateau of Versailles 
stands ever since vacant, hushed, still, its spacious courts 
grass grown, responsive to the hoe of the weeder. Times' 
and generations roll on, in their confused gulf-current, 
and buildings, like builders, have their destiny." 



158 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



CHAPTER VI. 

The King and Queen in Paris — La Fayette's Letter to Washington 

— Presents him with the Key of the Bastile — The Constitution 
growing under the Hands of the Assembly — The Memorable 
14;th of July — Grand Festival of Federation in the Champ de 
Mars — Taking the Oath — Carlyle's Description — La Fayette 
the Cynosure of All Eyes — He declines to accept Permanent 
Command — Farewell Words of the Deputies of the National 
Guard — Vacillating Paris and Vacillating Louis — La Fayette's 
Letter to Washington — La Fayette's Efforts in Defence of King 
and Constitution — The Queen gives Audience to the Marquis — 
The Flight of Royalty — La Fayette's Danger — His Unflinching 
Courage — He declines the Throne — Royalty captured — La Fay- 
ette the Real Head of the Government — Supremacy of the Jaco- 
bins — Mob in the Champ de Mars — Louis accepts the Consti- 
tution — Resignation of La Fayette — War declared — La Fayette 
resumes Command — His Stirring Proclamation to his Soldiers 

— Letters to Washington — Plots of La Fayette's Enemies — 
His Fearless Letter to the Assembly — Mob at the Tuileries — 
La Fayette appears in Paris — His Jacobin Foes — Blind Preju- 
dice of the King and Queen — His Efforts in their Behalf un- 
gratefully refused — The Reign of Terror — Decree of Accusa- 
tion — La Fayette's Forced Flight — His Letter to his Wife — 
Taken Prisoner by the Austrians — La Fayette and his Fellow- 
Prisoners given over to the Prussians — His Loathsome Dungeon 

— Transferred to Olmiitz — Further Tortures — Attempt at Es- 
cape. 1 

"License they mean when they cry liberty." — Milton. 

THE outburst for the time being is quelled. The king 
and queen have been brought by the surging mob 
to the gates of their royal residence in Paris. As they 



! 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 159 

enter the portals, the mob cries, ''Now we will have 
bread ! Ave have with us the baker, and the baker's ivife^ 
and the baker's son/" and poor Louis falsely imagines 
that peace has come. 

As the year of 1790 dawned, La Fayette hoped that 
the light of liberty was rising. He realized that France 
was not ready yet for a republic, but a constitutional 
monarchy might unite king and people. 

In March, 1790, La Fayette writes thus to Washing- 
ton : — 

" My dear CtExeral : I have learned with much pain 
that you have not received any of my letters. I hope, 
however, that you have not suspected me of being guilty 
of negligence. 

" It is difficult in the midst of our troubles to be in- 
formed in time of good occasions ; but this time it is by 
M. Cayne, who departs for London, that I confide the 
care of making known to you news concerning me. 

" Our revolution proceeds on its march as well as it is 
possible with a nation who receives all at once its liber- 
ties, and is therefore liable to confound them with license. 
The Assembly has more hatred against the ancient sys- 
tem than experience to organize the new constitutional 
government. The ministers regret their ancient power, 
and dare not avail themselves of that which they have ; 
in short, as all which existed has been destroyed, and 
replaced by institutions still very incomplete, there is 
ample material for criticisms and calumnies. 

" Add to this that we are attacked by tAvo sets of ene- 
mies, — the aristocrats, who aspire to a counter-revolu- 
tion, and the factions, who wish to destroy all authority, 
perhaps even to attempt the life of members of the royal 
family. These two parties foment these troubles, 



100 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

'•After liaving said all this, my clear General, I will 
say to you with the same frankness, that we have made 
admirable and almost incredible destruction of all abuses 
and all prejudices ; all that which was not useful to a 
people, and all that pertained not to them, have been cut 
off, which, in consideration of the topographical situar 
tion, moral and political, of France, Ave have performed 
more changes in ten months than the most presumi^tuous 
patriots could have hoj)ed for, and the reports of our 
anarchy and our internal troubles have been much exag- 
gerated. 

"After all, this revolution, where one only desires to 
hnd (as at one time in America) a little more energy in 
the government, will extend and establish liberty ; it will 
be made to flourish in the whole world, and we can wait 
tranquilly through some years until a convention corrects 
the faults which could not be perceived at present by 
men scarcely escaped the yoke of aristocracy and des- 
potism. 

" You know that the Assembly has adjourned all dis- 
cussion upon the West Indies, leaving all things in their 
natural state. The ports remain thus open to American 
commerce. It was impossible, under present circum- 
stances, to take a definite resolution. The next legisla- 
ture will form its decision according to the demands of 
the colonies, which have been invited to ^jresent them, 
and particularly regarding their subsistence. 

" Permit me, my dear General, to offer you a painting 
representing the Bastile, such as it was some days after 
I had given the order to destroy it. I give to you also 
the principal key of that fortress of despotism. It is 
a tribute wdiich I owe to you, as a son to my adopted 
father, as an aide-de-camp to my general, as a missionary 
of liberty to his patriarch. 



I 




KEY OF THE BASTILE, 



THE KXKJHT OF LIBERTY. lOl 

" xidieii, my beloved General ; otter my tender respects 
to Madame Washington ; speak of my affectionate regard 
to George, Hamilton, Knox, Harrison, Hmnphrey, — all 
my friends. I am with tenderness and respect, 

" Your affectionate and filial friend." 

But La Fayette's fond hopes regarding the dawning of 
liberty in his cherished land were doomed to speedy and 
terrible disappointment. 

The constitution was growing under the hands of the 
Assembly ; the executive and legislative and judicial de- 
partments were carefully examined and established upon 
a better model. Vacillating Louis, assenting and dissent- 
ing to every proposition, was at length partially pledged 
to a freer constitution. Then came the 14th of July 
and the grand festival in the Champ de Mars. King, 
queen, and court, churchmen and soldiers, nuns and coun- 
tesses, nobles and peasants, all were to participate in this 
national ceremony. Four days before the celebration 
the different deputations met in the Hotel de Ville to 
choose a president for the federation. La Fayette was 
hailed President by universal acclamation. He wished 
to decline the honor, but the Assembly refused to excuse 
him. And still another honor awaited him. By a special 
act of the Assembly the king had been appointed, for the 
day of the ceremony, supreme commander of the National 
Guard. This office he delegated to La Fayette, who thus 
becauie high constable of all the armed men in the 
kingdom. 

On the 13th of July the Confederates, with La Fayette 
at their head, repaired to the National Assembly to pay 
their homage to the monarch and to that body. La Fay- 
ette thus addressed the members : '* You well knew the 
necessities of France and the will of Frenchmen when 
you destroyed the gothic fabric of our government and 



102 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

laws, and respected only their monarchical principle ; 
Europe then discovered that a good king could be the 
protector of a free, as he had been the ground of coinfort 
to an oppressed, people. The rights of man are declared, 
the sovereignty of the people acknoAvledged, their power 
is representative, and the bases of public order are estab- 
lished. Hasten, then, to give energy to the power of the 
state. The people owe to you the glory of a new consti- 
tution, but they require and expect that peace and tran- 
([uillity which cannot exist without a firm and effectual 
organization of the government. AVe, gentlemen, devoted 
to the revolution and united in the name of liberty, the 
guarantees alike of individual and common rights and 
safety, — we, called by the most imperative duty from 
all parts of the kingdom, founding our confidence on 
your wisdom and our hopes on your services, — we will 
bear without hesitation to the altar of the country the 
oath which you n)cvy dictate to its soldiers. Yes, gentle- 
men, our arms shall ]>e stretched forth together, and, at 
the same instant, our brothers from all parts of France 
shall utter the oath which will unite them together. 
May the solemnity of that great day be the signal of the 
conciliation of parties, of the oblivion of resentments, and 
of the establishment of public peace and happiness. And 
fear not that this holy enthusiasm will hurry us beyond 
the proper and p]'escribed limits of public order. Under 
the protection of the law, the standard of liberty shall 
never become the rallying point of license and disorder. 
(lentlei)ien, we swear to you to respect the law which 
it is our duty to defend, swear by our honor as free 
men, and Frenchmen do not promise in vain." 

To King Louis, La Fayette then addressed these loyal 
words : '' Sire, in the course of those memorable events 
which have restored to the nation its imprescrii»tible 



I 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. iGo 

rights, and during whicb the energy of the people and 
the virtues of their king have produced such ilkistrious 
examples for the contemplation of the world, we love to 
hail, in the person of your Majesty, the most illustrious 
of all titles, — chief of the French, and king of a free 
people. Enjoy, Sire, the recompense of your virtues, and 
let that pure homage which despotism could not com- 
mand be the glory and reward of a citizen-king. The 
National Guards of France swear to your Majesty an 
obedience which shall know no other limits than those of 
the law, and a love which shall only terminate with their 
existence." 

Let Carlyle again describe the scene on that memora- 
ble 14th of July. 

" In spite of plotting aristocrats, lazy, hired spademen, 
and almost of destiny itself, for there had been much 
rain, the Champ de Mars is fairly ready. The morning 
comes, cold for a July one ; but such a festival would 
make Greenland smile. Through every inlet of that 
national amphitheatre — for it is a league in circuit, cut 
with openings at due intervals — floods in the living 
throng, covering without tumult, space after space. 
Two hundred thousand patriotic men, and, twice as good, 
one hundred thousand patriotic women, all decked and 
glorified, as one can fancy, sit waiting in the Champ de 
Mars. 

"What a picture, that circle of bright-dyed life, spread 
up there on its thirty-seated slope, leaning, one would 
say, on the thick umbrage of those avenue trees, for the 
stems of them are hidden by the height ; and all beyond 
it mere greenness of the summer earth, with the gleam 
of waters, or white sparkliugs of stone edifices. On 
remotest steeple and invisible village belfry stand men 
with spy-glasses. On the heights of Cliaiilot are many- 



164 THE LIFE ^F LA FAYETTE, 

colored; undvilating groups. Round, and far on, over all 
the circling heights that embosom Paris it is as one more 
or less peo})led amphitheatre, Avhicli the eye grows dim 
with measuring. Xay ; heights have cannon, a-nd a float- 
ing battery of cannon is on the Seine. When eye fails, 
ear shall serve. And all France, properly, is but one 
amphitheatre ; for in paved town and unpaved hamlet 
men walk, listening, till the nuiffled thunder souncLs audi- 
bly on their horizon, that they, too, may begin swearing 
and tiring. 

"But now to streams of music come confederates 
enough, for they have assembled on the Boulevard St. 
Antoine, and come marching through the city with their 
eighty-three department banners and blessings, not loud 
but deep ; comes National Assembly, and takes seat under 
its canopy; comes Royalty, and takes seat on a throne 
beside it ; and La Fayette, on a white charger, is here, 
and all the civic functionaries ; and the confederates 
form dances till their strictly military evolutions and 
manoeuvres can begin. 

" Task not the pen of mortal to describe them ; truant 
imagination droops, declares that it is not worth while. 
There is wheeling and sweeping to slow, to qiuck, to 
double-quick time. Sieur Motier, or G-eneralisrsimo La 
Fayette — for they are one and the same, and he. as gen- 
eral of France in the king's stead, for twenty-four hours 
— must step forth with that sublime, chivalrous gait of 
his, solemnly ascend the steps of Fatherland's altar, in fl 
sight of heaven and of scarcely breathing earth, and i^ro- ■ 
nounce the oath : to king, to law, to nation, in his own 
name and that of armed France ; Avhereat there is waving 
of banners and sufficient acclaim. 

" The National Assembly must swear, standing in its 
place ; the king himself, audibly. The king swears ; and 



i 



THE K^IGIir OF LIBERTY. 165 

now be the welkin split with vivats ; let citizens, enfran- 
chised, embrace ; armed confederates clang their arms ; 
and, above all, let that floating battery si)eak. It has 
spoken, to the fonr corners of France ! From eminence 
to eminence bursts the thunder, faint heard, loud 
repeated. From Arras to Avignon, from Metz to Bay- 
onne, over Orleans and lUois, it rolls in cannon recita- 
tive. Puy bellows of it amid his granite mountains ; 
Pau, where is the shell cradle of great Henri. At far 
Marseilles, one can think the ruddy evening witnesses it ; 
over the deep blue Mediterranean waters, the castle of 
If, ruddy-tinted, darts forth from every cannon's mouth 
its tongue of Are ; and all the people shout, ' Yes, France 
is free ! ' Glorious France, that has burst out so into 
universal sound and smoke, and attained the Phrygian 
cap of Liberty." 

It is not king, or (|ueen, but La Fayette, who is this 
day the cynosure of all eyes, as he ascends the altar and 
takes the prescribed oath. His noble nature is neither 
paralyzed by difficulties nor weakened b\- poi)ular ap- 
plause. For the people's love he is grateful, but to gain 
that approbation he would not relinquish one iota of his 
principle. Neither does any rank or power tempt him to 
seek his personal aggrandizement. When urged by the 
deputation at this time, that he should accejjt the perma- 
nent C(jnimand of the military force of the realm he 
unselfishly refused, accompanying his declination with 
these disinterested words : — 

" Let not ambition take possession of you ; love the 
friends of the people, but reserve blind submission for 
the law, and enthusiasm for liberty. Pardon this ad- 
vice, gentlemen ; you have given me the glorious right to 
offer it, when, by loading me with every species of favor 
which one of your brothers could receive from you, my 



166 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

heart, amidst its delightful emotions, eamiot repress a 
feeling of fear." 

That the confederates fully appreciated the noble 
motives which actuated his decision in this matter is 
revealed by their farewell words to him : — 

" The deputies of the National (xuard of France retire 
with the regret of not V)eing able to nominate you their 
chief. They respect the constitutional law, though it 
checks, at this moment, the impulse of their hearts. A 
circumstance which must cover you with immortal glory 
is, that you, yourself, promoted the law ; that you, your- 
self, prescribed bounds to our gratitude." 

Paris and Louis were too vacillating and unstable to 
allow any permanent peace, or permit France to enjoy 
any prolonged prosperity. Before the 1st of August 
the solemn oath which had been taken on the Champ de 
Mars was forgotten by both king and people. The 
same contentions were again fanning the flames of a still 
more ominous conflagration. 

On the 26th of August, 1790, La Fayette thus writes 
to General Washington : — 

" We are disturbed with revolts among the regiments ; 
and, as I am constantly attacked on both sides by the 
aristocratic and the factious parties, I do not know to 
which of the two we owe these insurrections. Our safe- 
guard against them is the National Guard. There are 
more than a million of armed citizens, among them patri- 
otic legions, and my influence with them is as great as if 
I had accepted the chief command. I have lately lost 
some of my favor with the mob, and displeased the fran- 
tic lovers of licentiousness, as I am bent on establishing 
a legal subordination. But the nation at large is very 
thankful to me for it. It is not out of the heads of 
aristocrats to make a counter-revolution. Nay, they do 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 167 

what they can with all the crowned heads of Europe, who 
hate us. But I think their plans will either be aban- 
doned or unsuccessful. I am rather more concerned at a 
division that rages in the popular party. The club of 
the Jacobins and that of '89, as it is called, have divided 
the friends of liberty, w^ho accuse each other ; the Jaco- 
bins being taxed with a disorderly extravagance, and '89 
with a tincture of ministerialism and ambition. I am 
endeavoring to bring about a reconciliation," 

" To defend the king and the constitution " was La 
Fayette's unswerving purpose. There had been a time 
when he had hoped that France might become a republic 
like the United States ; but as he carefully watched suc- 
cessive events he became convinced that the nation was 
not pre]3ared for such a change, and henceforth he de- 
cided in favor of a constitutional and limited monarchy ; 
and notwithstanding the king's exasperating blindness, 
in regarding La Fayette as his enemy rather than his 
defender, and the queen's open enmity. La Fayette en- 
acted faithfully and consistently the double and difficult 
r61e of upholding the rights of royalty at the same time 
that he was defending the sacred rights of the people. 

Madame Campan says in her " Memoirs of Marie An- 
toinette " : — 

"The queen gave frequent audiences to M. de La 
Fayette. One day, when he was in her inner closet, his 
aides-de-camp, who Avaited for him, were walking up and 
down the great room where the persons in attendance 
remained. Some imprudent young women were thought- 
less enough to say, with the intention of being overheard 
by those officers, that it was very alarming to see the 
queen alone with a rebel and a brigand. I Avas hurt at 
such indiscretion, Avhich always produced bad effects, and 
I imposed silence on them. One of them persisted in the 



1C)S THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

appellation brigand. I told her that, as to rebel, M. de 
La Fayette well deserved the name, Imt that the title of 
leader of a party was given by history to every man 
commanding forty thousand men, a capital, and forty 
leagues of country ; that kings had frequently treated 
with such leaders, and if it was convenient to the queen 
to do the same, it remained only for us to be silent and 
respect her actions. On the morrow the queen, with a 
serious air, but with, the greatest kindness, asked what I 
had said respecting M. de La Fayette on the preceding 
day, adding that she had been assured I had enjoined her 
women silence, because they did not like him, and that I 
had taken his part. I repeated to the Queen what had 
passed, word for word. 8he condescended to tell me that 
I had done perfectly right." 

As La Fayette was the commander of the National 
Guard, and as Louis and Marie Antoinette had been 
brought forcibly to Paris, and w^ere in some sense under 
the surveillance of La Fayette and his Guard, they were 
unable to perceive that he w^as their best friend, and they 
at length determined to fly from their enforced restraint 
in Paris. The plan was made and executed. 

" And so the royalty of France is actually fled ? This 
precious night, the shortest of the year, it flies and drives I 
Put in Paris, at six in the morning, when some patriot 
deputy, w^arned by a billet, awoke La Fayette and they 
went to the Tuileries ? Imagination may paint, but 
words cannot, the surprise of La Fayette, or with Avhat 
l)ewilderment helpless Gouvion rolled glassy Argus^ 
eyes, discerning now that his false chambermaid had told 
true I " 

A new danger now assailed La Fayette. The infuri- 
ated mob, apprised that the king had escaped, laid the 
blame upon his keeper. "Down with La Fayette 



I '-' 



THE KNWUT OF LIBERTY. 1()9 

'^Away with the traitor I'' are the cries which meet his 
ear, as he bohlly faces the vast throngs of excited Par- 
isians who crowd aronnd the H6tel de Yille. With 
fohled arms and calm (lig-nit}^ he stood l)efore the riotous 
mob. With unflinching courage he surveyed that surging 
mass in silence for a moment ; then, when he spoke, it 
was neither to excuse nor defend himself. His thoughts, 
as ever, were not for himself; only for the interests of 
the people. Casting his piercing glance over the multi- 
tude he exclaimed, in clarion tones, in which there was 
no quavering of fear or hesitation in their clear ring : — 

"• If you call this event a misfortune, what name would 
you give to a counter-revolution, which would deprive 
you of your liberty ? " 

Filled with admiration for his courage, and inspired 
with the emotion of api)lause, which, in the fickle fancy 
of the French so quickly follows its opposite, wrath, the 
vast multitude rent the air with one deafening shout : 
"Let us make La Fayette our king!" 

But the loyal Knight of Liberty instantly replied, with 
stern disapprobation : — 

" I thought that you professed a better opinion of me. 
What have I done that you do not believe me fit for 
something better ? " 

And the admiring people, recognizing his magnanimous 
unselfishness, shouted with wild enthusiasm : — 

"LONG LIVE THE GENERAL!" 

Meanwhile, in the National Assembly, it was an- 
nounced that La Fayette was in danger from the mob, at 
the H6tel de Ville. A deputation was sent to him, offer- 
ing an escort, to protect him from the violence of the 
l)eople. To whom La Fayette courteously readied : " I 
will order an escort for you, as a mark of respect ; but, 
for myself, I shall return alone. I have never been in 



170 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

more perfect safety than at this moment, thongh the 
streets are filled with the people." 

Prompt means were taken for the arrest of the royal 
fngitives. 

"By first or by second principles, much is promptly 
decided: ministers are sent for; instructed how to con- 
tinue their functions ; La Fayette is examined, and Gou- 
vion, who gives a most helpless account — the best he can. 
... La Fayette's aide-de-camp, Romoeuf, riding db franc 
etrier, on that old herb-merchant's route, quickened dur- 
ing the last stages, has got to Varennes, where the ten 
thousand now furiously demand, with fury of panic 
terror, that royalty shall forthwith return Paris-ward, 
that there be not infinite bloodshed. ... So then our 
grand royalist plot, of flight to Metz, has executed itself. 
On Monday night royalty went ; on Saturday evening it 
returns ; so much, within one short week, has royalty 
accomplished for itself." 

A decree was passed by the Assembly, suspending 
Louis from his kingly functions, as it was contended that 
by his flight he had voluntarily abdicated the throne ; and 
a guard was placed over the king, queen, and Dauphin. 

La Fayette, as commander-in-chief of the National 
Guards, was in reality the head of the government in 
France. Though Louis was his captive, he endeavored 
by every attention of respect to make him feel his re- 
straint as little as possible. 

The Jacobins had now gained the supremacy in France. 
They contended that the people should elect a ruler in- 
stead of Louis, whom they declared had relinquished his 
rights. The Assembly were not yet prepared for this 
step, and they resolved to restore Louis to power. 

A decree was therefore issued by the Assembly, remov- 
ing the ban from Louis, and declaring th-it he was not 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 171 

culpable for his recent journey. This decree raised a 
storm of opposition. The day after the bill was passed, 
a vast mob assembled in the Champ de Mars, to protest 
against this unpopular measure. 

Quickly the crowd raised a riotous tumult, and again 
La Fayette, the Patriot, stood in their midst. But this 
time his voice could not be heard on account of their 
wild clamors, which tilled the air and were echoed from 
surrounding streets. When his Avords of command were 
partially understood, their frenzy had reached too high 
a pitch to be quelled ; threats were muttered against 
him, and even a musket was fired at his breast. But his 
fearless spirit was resolved to put down this dangerous 
insurrection, and he was determined not to leave the 
spot until his efforts had been successful. By his nerve, 
and (j^uick plans as speedily executed, the rioters were 
at length forced to give way, but not until blood had 
been shed, for which his enemies called him to an account. 

Appreciating the necessity for a firmer government, 
the Assembly completed its constitution, and it was 
submitted to Louis for his acceptance. Poor vacillating- 
Louis was ill-pleased with this same constitution, but 
the past had taught him that it was safest to submit; 
and thereupon he repaired to the Assembly and accepted 
the constitution, and on the 30th of September it was 
declared that the Constituent Assembly had terminated 
its sittings. This Assembly had been in existence three 
years, and had enacted 1309 laws and decrees. 

A few days afterwards La Fayette resigned his office 
as commander-in-chief of the National Guard, deeming 
that his country no longer required his public services, 
and desiring intensely to retire to his private estates and 
enjoy the delights of a quiet life. He sent the following 
letter to his late comrades in arms : — 



172 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" To serve you until tliis day, gentlemen, was a duty 
imposed upon me by the sentiments which, have animated 
my whole life. To resign now, without reserve, to my 
country, all the power and influence she gave me for the 
purpose of defending her during recent convulsions, — 
is a duty which I owe to my well-known resolutions, and 
it amply satisfies the only sort of ambition I possess." 

The Guard could not part with him without renewed 
expressions of admiration for their idol. Finding that 
they could not move him. by their persuasions, to with- 
draw his resignation, they forged a sword from the bolts 
of the Bastile, and presented it to him, with profound 
marks of their esteem and affection. The municipality 
of Paris voted him a medal, and ordered a complimentary 
inscription to be placed upon the bust of La Fayette, 
which had been presented by Virginia to the city of 
Paris twelve years before. 

" Now that his Majesty has accepted the constitution, 
to the sound of cannon-salvoes, who would not hope ? 
La Fayette has moved for an amnesty, for universal 
forgiving and forgetting of revolutionary faults ; and 
now surely the glorious revolution, cleared of its rubbish, 
is comjjlete. . . . Welcome, surely, to all right hearts, is 
La Fayette's chivalrous amnesty. The National Constit- 
uent Assembly declares that it has finished its mission ; 
so, amid glitter of illuminated streets and Champs Ely- 
sees, and crackle of fireworks, and glad deray, has the 
first National Assembly vanished. ... La Fayette, for 
his part, will lay down the command. He retires, Cin- 
cinnatus-like, to his hearth and farm, but soon leaves 
them again." 

But the king and court seem blindly destined to bring 
about their own destruction. The Eoyalists. far from 
distinguishing betwe^i such men as La Fayette, Robes- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 173 

pierre, and Potion, strengthened the hands of the two 
last, thinking by those means to weaken the former. 
The court, incited by the queen, treated La Fayette with 
a blindfokl hatred, by opposing Petion to him at every 
turn. When the honest, well-meaning soldier was about 
to be elected mayor of Paris, Marie Antoinette, through 
her machinations, caused the nomination of Petion, who 
emjDloyed his exalted position in overturning the throne 
and the constitution. But not only was France at the 
mercy of the factions within, but foreign hosts threat- 
ened them without. 

La Fayette's quiet life of repose was soon disturbed. 
Startling rumors reached Paris that a large army was 
preparing for an invasion. Quick to respond to his coun- 
try's call. La Fayette relinquished his coveted delights 
of rest and reunion with his family, and accepted the 
command of one of the three armies which France was 
raising to meet the advancing foe. 

At this time La Fayette issued the following stirring 
proclamation to his army : — 

"Soldip:rs of our Country! 

"The legislative corps and the king, in the name of 
the French people, have declared w^ar. Since the coun- 
try, by constitutional means and by her wall, calls us to 
defend her, what citizen can refuse to her his arm ? 

"At this moment, when we leaders take again the 
oath which was pronounced by the nation and army 
upon the altar of the Federation, I come to explain my 
intentions, and to recall to you ni}^ principles. 

"Convinced by the experience of a life devoted to 
Liberty, that she can only be preserved in the midst 
of citizens submissive to the laws, as she can only be 
defended by disciplined troops, I have served the people 



174 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Avitliout cajoling them, and in my constant struggle 
against license and anarchy I have incurred the honor- 
able hatred of the ambitious, and of all factions. 

"To-day that the army awaits me, it is not with a 
pernicious complaisance, but with an inflexible discipline, 
and with a rigorous fulfilment of duty, that I will justify 
the affection which they accord to me, and the esteem 
which they owe me. 

"But since I control free men by the imperious will 
of a chief, it is necessary that we all feel — general, 
officers, and soldiers — that in this coming war it is a 
combat to the death between our principles and the 
pretensions of despots. We must work for the rights of 
each citizen and the safety of all. We must work for 
the constitution which we have sworn by, and for the 
sacred cause of liberty and equality. In short, we must 
work for the ISTational Sovereignty, by which only we 
shall be able to resist any such combination of force and 
danger as there may be ; and without which, not only 
will the French people, but humanity itself, be betrayed. 

" Soldiers of Liberty I it is not sufficient for merit to 
be brave ; be patient, indefatigable. Your general ought 
to plan and order ; you, to obey. Be generous ! respect 
a disarmed enemy. Those troops which always grant 
quarter, and will never receive it, will be invincible. 
Let us be disinterested, so that the shameful idea of 
pillage will never soil the nobility of our motives. Let 
us be humane ; it will make every one admire our senti- 
ments and bless our laws. 

" Resolve ye, with your general, that we shall see Lib- 
erty triumph, or that we shall not survive her. 

" Soldiers of the Constitution ! fear not that she ceases 
to watch you when you fight for her. Fear not when 
you go to defend your country, that these internal dis- 



il 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 175 

sensions shall trouble your firesides. Without doubt the 
legislative corps and the king will intimately unite in 
the decisive moment to insure the empire and the law, 
every one, and their property will be respected. Civil 
and religious liberty will not be profaned; the peace- 
able citizen will be protected, whatever may be his 
opinions ; the culpable will be punished, whatever may be 
his pretences. 

''All parties will be dispelled, and the constitution 
alone Avill rule ; and upon the rebels who have attacked 
with open voice, and upon the traitors, who have per- 
verted it by their vile passions, will be meted out such 
judgment as shall make them fear it inwardly and respect 
it outwardly. 

" Yes, we will have the reward of our labor and of our 
blood. Let us all attest with confidence, — both the rep- 
resentatives elected by the people who have sworn to 
transact only the duties of the constitution, as we its 
dangers ; and the hereditary representative, the citizen- 
king, whom the constitution has firmly established upon 
the throne ; and all the other depositories of authority to 
whom the constitution has delegated power, — let them all 
believe that the execution of that authority is a duty 
which the constitution has laid upon them, as obedience 
is demanded from those who must submit to them ; and 
that any one transgresses the laws in not making them 
to be obeyed, as they were placed in office that the laws 
might be defended. 

"Let us also affirm, all ye National Guard, that the 
constitution, newly born, shall find us united for its estab- 
lishment, and that the constitution, in peril, will always 
find us ready to defend it ; for patriotism renders even 
glorious the calumnies which we may have to endure in 
support of the constitution. 



176 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

'• As for lis, furnisliecl with tlie arms which liberty has 
consecrated, and with the declaration of rights, let us 
march towards our enemies ! " 

The central army was assigned to La Fayette, with his 
headquarters at Metz. War was declared against Austria 
on the 20th of April, and on the 24th La Fayette Avas 
ordered to collect his regiments and report at Metz by 
the 1st of May. This required such marvellous celerity 
that his enemies hoped he would fail to accomplish it, 
but on the appointed day La Fayette was at the post 
assigned, awaiting further orders. From his camp at 
Metz La Fa,yette wrote thus to Washington : — 

'^This is a very different date from that which had 
announced to you my return to the sweets of private life, 
a situation hitherto not very familiar to me, but which, 
after fifteen revolutionary years, I had become quite 
fit to enjoy. I have given you an account of the quiet 
and rural mode of living I had adopted in the mountains 
where I was born, having there a good house and a late 
manor, now unlorded into a large farm, with an English 
overseer for my instruction. For as I have relinquished 
my title of nobility, I manage my estate as a simple 
country gentleman. I felt myself very happy among 
my neighbors, no more vassals to me nor anybody, and 
had given to my v.dfe and rising family the only quiet 
weeks they had enjoyed for a long time, when the threats 
and mad preparations of the refugees, and, still more, the 
countenance they had obtained in the dominions of our 
neighbors, induced the National Assembly and the king 
to adopt a more rigorous system than had hitherto been 
the case. 

" I had declined every public employment that had been 
offered by the peo})le, and, still more, had I refused 



i 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 177 

consent to my being appointed to any military eomniand ; 
bnt when I saw onr liberties and constitution were seri- 
ously threatened, and my services could be usefully em- 
ployed in lighting for our old cause, I could no longer 
resist the wishes of my countrymen ; and as soon as the 
king's express reached my farm, I set out for Paris ; from 
thence to this place ; and I do not think it uninteresting 
to you, my dear General, to add, that I was everywhere 
on the road affectionate^ welcomed." 

Again La Fayette writes to Washington, in March, 
1792, from Paris, whither he had been recalled from 
Metz by political affairs : — 

" My dear General : I have been called from the 
army to the capital for a conference between two other 
generals, the ministers, and myself ; and I am at present 
about to return to my post. The coalition of the conti- 
nental powers concerning that which touches our affairs, 
is certain, and will not be broken by the death of the 
Emperor Leopold II. But as regards the preparations 
for their continental war, it is yet doubtful whether our 
neighbors will dare approach in order to extinguish a 
flame so contagious as that of liberty. 

" The danger for us is in the state of anarchy which 
arises from the ignorance of the people, from the immense 
numbers of non-proprietors, and from the habitual mis- 
trust regarding every kind of measure of the government. 
The difficulties are augmented by the discontents and 
the distinguished aristocrats, because these two parties 
unite in counteracting our ideas of public order. 

" Do not believe, however, my dear General, the exag- 
gerated accounts which you will receive, especially those 
which come from England. Liberty and equality will be 
preserved in France, that is certain ; but if they succumb, 



178 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

you may know well that I will not have survived them. 
You can be assured, however, that we go forth to meet 
this painful present situation, by an honorable defence, 
and for the amelioration of our internal affairs. 

" We have not had time to pro^^e just at what point our 
constitution can bring to us a good government. We 
know only that it is established upon the rights of the 
people, destroys nearly all abuses, changes French vassal- 
age into national dignity ; in short, it renders to men the 
enjoyment of their faculties, which nature has given to 
them, and which society assures to them. 

" Permit me, my dear General, to present to you alone 
an observation upon the last choice of an American am- 
bassador. I am a personal friend of Gouverneur Morris, 
and I have always been, as an individual, content with 
him; but the aristocratic principles, and even counter- 
revolutionary ones Avhicli he has professed, render him 
scarcely the proper person to represent the only nation 
of which the government resembles ours, since both of 
them are founded upon the plan of a democratic represen- 
tation. I will add, that as France finds herself surrounded 
by enemies, it would seem that America ought to desire 
to conform herself to the changes in our government. 

" I speak not only of those which democratic principles 
can hasten and introduce, but of those new projects of 
the aristocracy, such as the re-establishment of a nobility, 
the creation of a chamber of peers, and other political 
blasphemies of that kind, which, so far as Ave are able, we 
shall not have realized in France. 

" I have desired that we should establish an elective 
senate, a more independent judiciary corps, and a more 
energetic administration ; but it is necessary that the peo- 
ple should be taught to know the advantages of a firm 
government before knowing how to reconcile it with their 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 179 

ideas of liberty, and to distinguish it from those arbitrary 
systems which it has overthrown. 

"You see, my dear General, I am not an enthusiast 
regarding all the clauses of our constitution, though I 
love those principles which resemble those of the United 
States ; as to the exception of an hereditary president of 
executive power, I believe it conforms to our circum- 
stances at present. 

" But I hate all that resembles despotism and the aris- 
tocracy, and I cannot relinquish the desire that these 
principles, American and French, should be in the heart 
and upon the lips of the ambassador of the United States 
in France. I make these reflections in case only that some 
arrangements conformable to the wishes of Cxouverneur 
Morris can in the sequel be made. 

"Permit me to add here the tribute of praise which 
I owe to M. Short for the sentiments which he has 
expressed, and for all the esteem which he has inspired 
in this country, I desire that you should personally 
recognize it. 

" There are changes in the ministry preparing. The 
king has chosen his council from the most violent portion 
of the popular party, that is to say, from the club of the 
Jacobins, a kind of Jesuitical institution more likely to 
make deserters from our cause than to attract to us fol- 
lowers. These new ministers, however, are not suspected 
of being able to have a chance of re-establishing order. 
They discuss that which they should apply to themselves. 
The Assembly is little enlightened ; they value too highly 
popular applause. The king in his daily conduct from 
time to time acts very well. After all, the thing will go 
on, and the success of the revolution cannot be placed in 
doubt. 

" My command extends upon the frontiers from Givet 



180 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

to Bitche. I have sixty thousand men, and this number 
will be increased by young men who will come from all 
parts of the empire to complete the regiments. The vol- 
untary recruits are animated by a spirit most patriotic. 
I go to make an entrenched camp with thirty thousand 
men, and with a detached corps of four to five thousand ; 
the remainder of the troops will occupy strong places. 
The armies of the Marechaux Luckner and Rochambeau 
are inferior to mine, because we have sent several regi- 
ments south ; but in case of war we can gather respectable 
forces. 

" If Ave have yet some reasons for discontent, we can, 
however, hope to attain our just cause. License, under 
the mask of patriotism, is our greatest evil, because it 
menaces property, tranquillity, and even liberty. 

"Adieu, my dear General; think sometimes of your 
respectful, tender, and filial friend." 

But La Fayette's confidence in his countrymen Avas 
repaid by ingratitude ; and he Avas yet to learn that 
f CAV men Avere actuated by his unselfish loyalty and stern 
integrity. 

His enemies now plotted his ruin. A treacherous plan 
was laid to draw off his expected re-enforcements, so that 
Avhen he reached Givet, he Avould find himself at the 
mercy of the advancing foe. This disgraceful scheme Avas 
put into execution, and La Fayette, finding himself ex- 
posed to overwhelming dangers, Avisely retreated to his 
former post to aAvait further developments. But soon 
the direful rumors from Paris filled his patriotic heart 
Avith more painful concern than his oavu perilous posi- 
tion. " Would that he had trusted me ! " exclaimed mag- 
nanimous La Fayette, as courier after courier brought 
ncAvs of the Avoes thickening around the helpless, Aveak 



THE KNWIIT OF LIBERTY. l8l 

king. In a letter to the Assembly, La Fayette boldly 
declared war against the defiant Jacobins, who were fast 
clutching the reins of government, or, rather, planning a 
counter-revolution, which should give up the city and 
the nation to the diabolical power of a wild anarchy and 
unbridled license. It was this memorable letter in which 
he said : " Can you dissemble even to yourselves that a 
faction — and to avoid all vague demonstrations, the Jaco- 
bin faction — have caused all these disorders ? It is that 
society which I boldly denounce ; organized in its affili- 
ated societies like a separate empire in the metropolis, 
and blindly governed by some ambitious leaders, this 
society forms a totally distinct corporation in the midst 
of the French nation, whose power it usurps by tyran- 
nizing over its representatives and constituted authori- 
ties. Let the royal authority be untouched, for it is 
guaranteed by the constitution; let it be independent, 
for its independence is one of the springs of our liberty ; 
let the king be revered, for he is invested with the maj- 
esty of the nation ; let him choose a ministry which 
wears the chain of no faction ; and if traitors exist, let 
them perish under the sword of the law." 

Xo other man in France would have dared to write 
such a letter ; and this brave letter lost him his popular- 
ity, for the masses were imbued with the influence of 
the Jacobins. This party now took an oath to destroy 
the fearless marquis who had thus laid bare their base 
designs. They harangued the mob, and persuaded them 
to believe that Louis and La Fayette were leagued against 
them. It required little to inflame the excited people. 
Twenty thousand men from the lowest ranks paraded 
the streets, and Avith wild shouts of '•'■ Doivn ivith the 
king! to the Tuileries !" they swept onward to the pal- 
ace, and with yells of execration they trampled down 



182 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

the guard and burst into tlie very apartment of the king. 
Louis for once was roused and played the part of a man. 
His calmness awed the mob ; and the Assembly sending 
a deputation to his relief, the multitude were persuaded 
to retire. 

This news was wafted quickly to La Fayette ; and on 
the 28th of June he appeared in Paris. He left the 
army, and came alone as a simple citizen, and, visiting 
the Assembly, he boldly met their charge against him, 
which was that he had made an attempt at dictation; 
and he was there to answer this slander, and to demand 
reparation for the indignity to which the king had 
been subjected. He ended his speech with the words, 
" Such are the representations submitted to the Assem- 
bly by a citizen whose love for liberty, at least, will not 
be disputed." 

But the Jacobin leaders had now the upper hand in 
the Assembly ; and they declared him guilty of treason. 
And when the chivalrous and true-hearted La Fayette 
waited upon the king, for whom he had risked his repu- 
tation and his life, "he was insulted by the courtiers, 
coolly received by the king, and the queen expressly for- 
bade any one to give him the slightest support. His 
efforts at rallying around him the National Guard, in 
order to march upon the Jacobins and make them prison- 
ers, proved equally fruitless. He returned full of grief, 
but not utterly discouraged, to the army, whence he con- 
tinued to offer his services to the king ; but all his offers 
were rejected. 'The best counsel I can give M. de La 
Fayette,' answered the king, ' is to serve as a scarecrow 
to the factions in following his profession as a general.' " 

The Princess Elizabeth, more clear-sighted than Louis 
XVI. and Marie Antoinette, advised that the royal 
family should throw themselves with confidence into 




PRINCESS ELIZABETH. 



I 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 183 



the protection of the only man who could save the king 
and deliver his family from the awful dangers which 
threatened them. But the imprudent queen is reported 
to have replied, "It is better to perish than to be saved 
by La Fayette and the Constitutionals." 

Thus was this noble-spirited man rewarded by those 
whom he had risked his life to try to save. 

The awful Reign of Terror came remorselessly striding 
on in its resistless march of death. La Fayette made 
one more attempt to save the perverse and blinded king 
and queen. A plan was formed for removing the royal 
family from Paris, and placing them under the protection 
of the army of which La Fayette had command ; but the 
haughty Marie Antoinette replied, " No ; we have once 
owed our lives to La Fayette ; but I should not wish it 
to be the case a second time." Thus was their last 
chance of escape refused, and the Reign of Terror soon 
numbered them among its victims. 

And the diabolical Reign of Terror also laid its ghastly 
hand upon the freedom of the Knight of Liberty, and 
against his illustrious name wrote this infamous '' Decree 
of Accusation " .* — 

"National Assembly, Aug. 17, 1792. 

" L It appears to this Assembly that there is just 
ground for accusation against M. de La Fayette, hereto- 
fore commander of the army of the ISTorth. 

" II. The executive power shall, in the most expedi- 
tious manner possible, carry the present decree into exe- 
cution ; and all constituted authorities, all citizens, and 
all soldiers are hereby enjoined, by every means in their 
power, to secure his person. 

"III. The Assembly forbids the army of the North 
any longer to acknowledge him as a general, or to obey 



184 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

his orders ; and strictly enjoins that no person whatso- 
ever shall furnish anything to the troops, or pay any 
money for their use, but by the orders of M. Dumouriez." 

This decree was widely circulated throughout the 
army. Against such a hydra-headed demoii of persecu- 
tion it was useless to attempt to contend. La Fayette's 
only safety lay in flight. For his king and his country 
he had sacrificed all that was dear to him in life ; and 
this was his thankless reward. 

At this time I^a Fayette thus wrote to his wife : — 

'' I make no apology to you or my children for having 
ruined my family ; no one among you would wish to owe 
fortune to conduct contrary to my conscience." Surely 
the actions of his heroic wife and bra.ve children fully 
confirmed his exalted opinion of tliem. 

After taking every necessary precaution for the safety 
of his army, La Fayette and his three friends, Messieurs 
Latour-Maubourg, Bureaux de Pusy, and Alexandre La- 
meth, with a little party of twenty-three exiles, departed 
from France and turned their faces towards the Nether- 
lands. Reaching Eochefort, La Fayette and his friends 
endeavored to obtain passports. But La Fayette was 
quickly recognized, and the couimandant instantly de- 
spatched a messenger to the Austrian general at Namur, 
with the startling intelligence that he held in safe-keep- 
ing the illustrious La Fayette, one of the bravest generals 
of France. The Austrian general, Moitelle, could scared}^ 
credit this astounding piece of good fortune. " What ! " 
exclaimed he, " La Fayette ? La Fayette f " Turning to 
one officer, he cried, " Run instantly and inform the Duke 
of Bourbon of it" ; to another the order was given, "Set 
out this moment and carry this news to his Royal High- 
ness at Brussels " ; and sendino' others here and there to 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 185 

spread the wonilerful intelligence : before many hours 
the news had been despatched to half the princes and 
generals in Europe, that the illustrious La Fayette was 
a captive in the hands of the allies. The prisoners were 
conducted to ^anmr, then to jS'ivelles, and afterwards to 
Luxembourg, where an attempt was made to assassinate 
La Fayette by some of the French refugees. The Aus- 
trians finally decided that La Fayette and his three com- 
panions should be given over into the power of the Prus- 
sians. The captives were accordingly closely guarded 
and hurried to Wessel. Here they were separated and 
thrown into different cells. The many shameful indig- 
nities which they suffered and the hardships of their 
cruel prison life soon prostrated La Fayette, and he 
became- dangerously ill, and for a time his life was de- 
spaired of. Xo mitigation of his confinement was, how- 
ever, allowed him. Once the king of Prussia offered him 
aid if he would assist in the plans forming against France. 
La Fayette received this base message with indignant 
scorn, and bade the officer return and inform his master 
"that he was still La Fayette." 

The king, foiled in his attempt to weaken the stanch 
loyalty of the heroic marquis, who would not swerve one 
hair's-breadth from his conscientious principles, even for 
the longed-for boon of liberty, determined to wreak his 
mortified pride by inflicting further cruelties upon the 
helpless captives, whom, though he could not bribe to 
dishonor, he might still torture to death. 

The monarch resolved to gratify his malignity by re- 
moving them to still more dismal and unhealthy dun- 
geons. Whereupon, the prisoners were conducted to 
Magdebourg ; and as they were thrown into the loathsome 
vaults of that prison, they were informed that they 
should never again behold the light of day. Here they 



186 THE LIFE. OF LA FAYETTE, 

existed, desolate and despairing, for a year. Frederic 
William occasionally sent to learn if their sufferings 
were sufficiently intense to satisfy his fiendish cruelty, 
and then devised ne\y torments. La Fayette dared not 
send letters to his wife, fearing that his writing would 
be recognized, and accordingly addressed them to a friend 
in England, hoping that his family would in some man- 
ner receive them. He thus describes his situation : — 

" Imagine an opening made under the rampart of the 
citadel, and surrounded with a strong high palisade; 
through this, after opening four doors, each armed with 
chains, bars, and padlocks, they come, not without some 
difficulty and noise, to my cell, three paces wide, five and 
a half long. The wall is mouldy on the side of the ditch, 
and the front one admits light, but not sunshine, through 
a little grated window. Add to this two sentinels, 
whose eyes penetrate into this lower region, but who are 
kept outside the palisade, lest they should speak ; other 
w^atchers not belonging to the guard ; and all the walls, 
ramparts, ditches, guards, within and without the cita- 
del of Magdebourg, and you will think that the for- 
eign powers neglect nothing to keep us within their 
dominions. 

" The noisy opening of the four doors is repeated every 
morning to admit my servant ; at dinner, that I may eat 
in the presence of the commandant of the citadel and of Ij 
the guard ; and at night, to take my servant to his prison. ' 
After having shut upon me all the doors, the commandant 
carries off the keys to the room where, since our arrival, 
the king has ordered him to sleep. 

" I have books, the white leaves of which are taken 
out, but no news, no newspapers, no communications, — 
neither pen, ink, 2:)aper, nor pencil. It is a wonder that 1 
I possess this sheet, and I am writing with a toothpick. 



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THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 187 

My health fails daily. . . . The account I have given 
you may serve for my companions, whose treatment is 
the same." 

At length, despairing of making La Fayette yield by 
any cruelties, however barbarous, the Prussian king, 
fearing that the peace which he was concluding with 
France would require the surrender of La Fayette, he 
determined to transfer him, with Maubourg and De Pusy, 
to the Austrians. 

Olmiitz was selected by their new jailers, and the 
prisoners were accordingly carried thither. 

'' Though -placed within the same castle, and occupying 
cells in the same corridor, the friends were as completely- 
guarded against all intercourse with each other, and all 
knowledge of each other's condition, as if an ocean or a 
continent separated them. As they entered their cells, 
it was declared to each of theni, " that they would never 
come out of them alive ; that they would never see any- 
thing but what was enclosed within the four walls of 
their respective cells ; that they would hold no commu- 
nication with the outer world, nor receive any kind of 
information of persons or things there ; that their jailers 
were even prohibited from pronouncing their names ; 
that in the prison reports and government despatches 
they would be referred to only by the number of their 
cells ; that they would never be suffered to learn any- 
thing of the situation of their families, or even to know 
of each other's existence ; and that, as such a situation 
of hopeless continement would naturally incite to suicide, 
knives and forks, and all other instruments by which 
they might do violence to themselves, would be thence- 
forth Avithheld from them." 

Such were Austria's improvements upon the cruelties 
of Prussia. 



188 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, f 

• 

111 a dark and loathsome dungeon, the walls of which 
were twelve feet thick, and guarded by doors of wood 
and iron, covered with bolts and bars, the only air ad- 
mitted into the cell coming through a loophole in the 
wall, beneath which was a ditch of stagnant water whose 
poisonous effluvium stifled the suffering victim on a bed 
of rotten straw filled with vermin, by the side of which 
stood a Avorm-eaten table and broken chair, lay the sick 
and tortured La Fayette, whose keen anxieties regard- 
ing the fate of his adored wife and children were added 
to the bodily torments which his enemies inflicted upon 
him. Again he became ill. His physician represented 
to the authorities that fresh air Avas absolutely neces- 
sary ; three times the brutal answer was sent, " He is 
not yet sick enough." At length, however, he was 
allowed a daily walk of a few moments under the eye 
of his jailer. 

The news of the imprisonment of La Fayette had been 
received with profound sorrow throughout the world. 
Many eff:"orts had been put forth in his behalf from time 
to time. While La Fayette was at Magdebourg, the 
American minister in France took upon himself the re- 
sponsibility of directing the banker of the United States, 
at Hamburgh, to advance ten thousand florins, which 
were sent to La Fayette, and was the means of procur- 
ing for him many needed comforts. This act was after- 
wards ratified by Congress under the head of military 
compensation. 

The imprisonment of his loyal and devoted young 
friend caused the warm heart of Washington the deep- 
est anguish, but, as the president of a neutral nation, 
his public acts were governed by caution; though his 
personal influence as a man in behalf of his friend 
was strong in endeavoring to secure the release of 



A 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 189 

the marquis. To Mr. Pinckney, then in Europe, he 
thus wrote : — 

'' I need hardly mention how much my sensibility has 
been hurt by the treatment this gentleman has met with, 
or how anxious I am to see him liberated therefrom ; 
but what course to pursue as most likely and proper to 
aid the measure is not quite so easy to decide on. As 
President of the United States, there must not be a com- 
mitment of the government by any interference of mine ; 
and it is no easy matter in a transaction of this nature 
for a public character to assume the garb of a private 
citizen in a case that does not relate to himself. Yet 
such is my wish to contribute my mite to accomplish 
that desirable object, that I have no objection to its 
being known to the imperial ambassador in London, who, 
if he think proper, may communicate it to his court, 
that this event is an ardent wish of the people of the 
United States, to which I sincerely add mine. The 
time, the manner, and even the measure itself, I leave 
to your discretion ; as circumstances, and every matter 
which concerns this gentleman, are better known on 
that than they are on this side of the Atlantic." 

At length a young German physician, Dr. J. Erick 
Bollman, filled with admiration for the illustrious and 
persecuted La Fayette, although he had never seen him, 
nevertheless enthusiastically espoused his cause, and 
determined to attempt the liberation of the marquis. 
Meeting at Vienna Francis Kinlock Huger, the son of 
Colonel Huger, of South Carolina, at whose house La 
Fayette was first received when he landed in America, 
the two young men resolved to attempt at all risks to 
themselves his release. They were so far successful, that 
by their aid La Fayette eluded his jailers, while out for 
exercise, and mounted a horse provided by his friends. 



190 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



and succeeded in reaching Sternberg, but was there again 
arrested and carried back to endure still greater tortures 
in his loathsome prison at Olniiitz. His two devoted 
friends were also captured and obliged to suffer imprison- 
ment for six months, as a punishment for their unselfish 
deed ; while La Fayette Avas informed by his cruel tor- 
mentors that his zealous friends were to be executed for 
their attempt in his behalf. 



THE KNWHT OF LIBERTY. 191 



CHAPTER VII. 

Writings of Virginie La Fayette — Her Account of the Approach 
of the Revolution — Her Narrative of her Father's Part in the 
Terrible Tragedy — Her Mother's Anxieties — Dangers of the La 
Fayette Family — Arrest of Madame La Fayette — Her Heroic 
Courage — News of the Imprisonment of General La Fayette — 
Letter of Madame La Fayette to M. Roland — Madame La 
Fayette released on Parole — Her Letter to the King of Prussia 

— M. Roland secures Madame La Fayette's Release from Parole 

— Madame La Fayette rearrested — Brave Conduct of her 
Daughter Anastasie — Madame La Fayette imprisoned at 
Brioude — Her Kind Attentions to her Fellow-prisoners — Her 
Jailer bribed to allow the Visits of her Children — The Arrest 
of Madame La Fayette's Sister, Mother, and Grandmother — 
Madame La Fayette removed to Paris — Ineffectual Efforts 
in her Behalf — The Mother, Sister, and Grandmother of Mad- 
ame La Fayette perish upon the Scaffold — Madame La Fay- 
ette's Pathetic Description of their Dreadful Doom. 

" Why, headstrong liberty is lash'd with woe. 
There's nothing situate under heaven's eye, 
But hath his bound in earth, in sea, in sky." 

— Shakespeare. 

LEAVING La Fayette for a time in his gloomy prison 
at Olmiitz, Ave will turn once again to tlie writings 
of Virginie La Fayette (Madame de Lasteyrie) for the 
home picture of La Fayette's history during the memo- 
rable French Eevolution. She says : — 

" The Eevolution had for a long time back been gradu- 
ally approaching. The States-General were convoked 
and met in the month of May, 1789. After the 14th 
of July father was elected commander-in-chief of the 



192 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
Xatioiial G-iiard of Paris. His whole existence was 
bound up with the events of that period. You may 
imagine the cruel anxiety in which my mother passed 
the three first years of the Eevolution. She was free 
from aU prejudice ; besides, she had long shared my 
father's principles, which would in any case have been 
her own; she approved, she admired his conduct; she 
was the partner of all his views, and Avas supported in 
the midst of her moral sufferings by the thought that he 
was working to obtain the triumph of right. The first 
misfortunes of the Eevolution filled her soul with such 
bitterness that she was insensible to the natural feelings 
of amour-propre, which my father's conduct would other- 
wise have called forth. Her only satisfaction was to see 
him often sacrifice his popularity to oppose any dis- 
orderly or arbitrary act. She had adopted liberal opin- 
ions, and professed them openly, but she possessed that 
feminine tact, the shades of which it would be impossible 
to delineate, and was thereby prevented from being what 
was then called a femme de parti. Her disposition led 
her not to fear the censure of certain coteries, but she 
shuddered when she thought of the incalculable conse- 
quences of the events which were taking place, and she 
was incessantly praying for the mercy of God, whilst she 
fulfilled all the requirements of her arduous life. 

'' She accepted the requests, which were made to her 
by each of the sixty districts of Paris, to collect sub- 
scriptions at the blessing of their banners and at other 
patriotic ceremonies. My father ke^jt open house. She 
did the honors in a manner which charmed her numer- 
ous guests ; but what she suffered in the dei^ths of her 
heart can only be understood by those who have heard 
her talk of those times. 

'' She beheld my father at the head of a revolution, 



i 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 193 

the issue of which it was impossible to foresee. Each 
calamity, each disturbance, was looked upon by her with- 
out the slightest illusion as to the success of her own 
cause. She was, however, supported by my father's prin- 
ciples, and so convinced of the good it was in his power 
to do, and of the evil it was in his power to avert, that 
she bore with incredible fortitude the continual perils to 
which he was exposed. Never, has she often told us, 
did she see him leave the house during that period with- 
out thinking that she was bidding him adieu for the last 
time. Although no one could be more terrified than she 
was when those whom she loved were in danger, still, 
during that time she was superior to her usual self, de- 
voted in common with my father to the hope of prevent- 
ing crime. 

"The various events of the Revolution, the dangers 
incurred by my father, the manner in which he sup- 
ported every principle of justice and of liberty against 
all parties, form the history of my mother's anxieties 
and consolations during two years and a half. You have 
read in the history of the Eevolution that considerable 
uproar was raised on the Monday of Passion Week, 1791, 
to prevent the king from going to Saint Cloud, where he 
wished to receive the sacrament from the hands of 
priests who had not taken the oath to support the con- 
stitution. The king did not put this plan into execution, 
notwithstanding the endeavors of my father, who en- 
treated Louis XVI. to persist in his intention, which 
he undertook to have executed. The king refused. 

" My father, displeased with the National Guard, who 
had but feebly supported him in presence of the popu- 
lace, and with the king's weakness, which rendered it 
impossible to retrieve the faults committed on that day, 
thought fit to resign the command of the National Guard 



194 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
of Paris, and to avoid all entreaties, lie qnitted his own 
lionse. My mother remained at home, transported with 
joy at the resolution he had taken, and was charged by 
him to receive in his stead the municipality and the 
sixty battalions who came to implore him to resume his 
command. She replied to each individual in the words 
which my father himself would have dictated, carefully 
marking by her demeanor the distinction she made 
between the most respectable chefs cle bataiUon, and 
those who, like Santerre, had necessitated by their mis- 
conduct my father's resignation, and who that day all 
united in taking the same step and repeating the same 
protestations. My mother, perplexed as she was in per- 
forming so diihcult a task, was overjoyed at the thought 
that my father had returned to private life. This satis- 
faction lasted four days. Having thus marked his dis- 
pleasure at disorders which he had not been able to pre- 
vent, my father yielded to the general entreaties. He 
resumed his command, and my mother her trials and 
anxieties. 

" On the 21st of June of the same year, 1791, the king 
left Paris secretly, but was soon brought back from Va- 
rennes, where he had been arrested. In no other circum- 
stance of my father's life did my mother so much admire 
him as in the one which I am now relating. She beheld 
him, on the one hand, relinquishing all his republican 
tendencies to join in the wish of tlie majority ; on the 
other hand, amidst the difficulties in which he was placed 
by his position, taking every responsibility, bearing all 
censure so as to insure the safety of the royal family, 
and spare them, as much as was in his poAver, every 
painful detail. My mother hastened to the Tuileries so 
soon as the queen began to receive, and before the con- 
stitution had been accepted. She found herself there 



i 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 195 

the only woman connected witli the patriote party, for 
she believed as my father did, that politics at such a 
moment ought not to rule personal intercourse. 

" The Jacobins raised on the 17th of July a considerable 
outbreak. The brigands commenced by murdering two 
men. Martial law was proclaimed. It is difficult to 
form an idea of my mother's mortal anguish while my 
father was in the Champ de Mars, exposed to the rage of 
an infuriated multitude, which dispersed crying out that 
my mother must be put to death and her head carried to 
meet him. I remember the fearful cries we heard, I re- 
member the alarm of everybody in the house, and above 
all my mother's joy at the thought that the brigands 
who were coming to attack her were no longer surround- 
ing my father in the Champ de Mars. While embracing 
us with tears of joy, she took every necessar}^ precaution 
against the approaching danger with the greatest calm- 
ness, and above all with the greatest relief of mind. The 
guard had been doubled, and was drawn up before the 
house, but the brigands were very near entering my 
mother's apartment by the garden looking upon the 
Place du Palais-Bourbon, and were already climbing the 
low wall which protected us, when a body of cavalry 
passed on the Place and dispersed them. 

The constitution having been accepted by the king, 
the Constituent Assembly ended its sittings, and was re- 
placed by the Legislative Assembly. My father gave up 
the command of the National Guard, and set out for Au- 
vergne with my mother in the beginning of October. 
The journey was long, for they Avere often obliged to stop 
in order to acknowledge the marks of sympathy they re- 
ceived on the way. We followed in another carriage, 
and my brother joined us shortly afterwards. 

" This interval of repose was of short duration. My 



196 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

father was appointed to the command of one of the three 
armies which were formed at that time. He left Cha- 
vaniac in December, 1791. This departure, the expec- 
tation of an approaching war, the dread of fresh disturb- 
ances, all contributed to renew my mother's distress : 
those who might have shared her feelings had left her. 
My grandmother, and, soon after, my aunt de Noailles 
were obliged to return to Paris. She bade them a fare- 
well which she was far from supposing was to be the 
last. 

" War was declared in the month of March, 1792. It 
began by several skirmishes with my father's army, in one 
of which M. de Gouvion, who had been major-general of 
the National Guard, was killed. My mother was filled 
with terror and harassed by fearful forebodings. The 
disturbances at home added to her dismay. 

" My father's letter to the Legislative Assembly, writ- 
ten from the camp of Maubenge, on June 16, 1792, 
against the Jacobins, and his appearance at the bar to 
support it, mingled with these anxieties the satisfaction 
she was accustomed to find in all his actions. But one 
can well understand hovv^ much she must have suffered 
at such a distance, on seeing him exposed to so many 
and such various dangers. He invited her to go and join 
him ; but in those times of public commotion she feared 
that if she accepted his proposal, he might be accused 
of wishing to put his family in safety: she was also 
afraid of impeding his movements, which depended on so 
many uncertain events. After having thought it over 
several days, she decided upon sacrificing herself and 
remaining at Chavaniac. 

" Shortly after the noble resolution my mother had 
taken of remaining at Chavaniac, she received intelli- 
gence of the insurrection of the 10th of August. She 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 197 

heard almost at the same time that my grandfather, the 
Due d'Ayen, who had been defending the king at the 
Tuileries, and my uncle, M. de Grammont, who had been 
sought for amongst the dead, had both escaped the dan- 
gers of that dreadful day. The newspapers gave details 
of my father's resistance at Sedan. But it was soon evi- 
dent that all was useless, and nothing could be compared 
to the anguish of my mother's heart during the days 
which followed. The public papers were full of san- 
guinary decrees Avhich were submitted to everywhere 
except in the district under my father's command. A 
price was set on his head, promises were made at the 
bar of the Assembly to bring him back, dead or alive. 
At length, on the 24th of August, she received a letter 
from her sister, Madame de Noailles, telling her that my 
father was out of France. My mother's joy was equal 
to her despair on the preceding days. 

" We were in daily expectation of the house being pil- 
laged. My mother provided for everything, burnt or 
concealed her papers ; then, in consequence of the alarm- 
ing intelligence she received, she resolved to place her 
children in safety. A priest assermente^ came to offer 
her a place of refuge amidst the mountains. M. Frestel 
took my brother there during the night. The same even- 
ing she sent us to Langeac, a small town about two 
leagues from Chavaniac, and thus having made every 
arrangement, she calmly awaited coming events. She 
remained with my aunt, whom it would have been impos- 
sible to persuade to leave the place. 

"Nevertheless, some days afterwards, calmer feelings 
having prevailed around her, my mother thought it 
might be useful for her to go to Brioude, the chief town 

^ Pretre asserynente , one who accepted the Constitution. 



198 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

of the district. There she received iroiii many people 
proofs of the most lively interest ; but she refused the 
marks of sympathy proffered by several aristocrates la- 
dies, declaring she would take as an insult any token of 
esteem Avhich could not be shared with my father, and 
which would tend to separate her cause from his. 

"■ By a decree of the ' district/ the seals were affixed 
on the house. My mother herself had caused this meas- 
ure to be taken, so as to command respect from the brig- 
ands, who were every day expected. The word emigre 
was not inscribed in the official report, and the respect 
shown by the two commissaries led her to hope that she 
had nothing to dread, at least on the part of the admin- 
istration. She therefore yielded to the earnest entreaties 
of her daughters, and allowed them to return to Chavar 
niac. We found her in possession of two letters from my 
father, written after his departure from France. These 
letters cheered her greatly. Although she flattered her- 
self that he would soon be released, she was nevertheless 
much agitated by the news of his arrest. 

" On the 10th of September, 1792, at eight o'clock in 
the morning, the house was invested by a party of armed 
men. A commissary presented my mother with an order 
from the Committee of Public Safety, giving directions 
for her to be sent to Paris with her children. This or- 
der was enclosed in a letter from M. Poland, charging 
him with the execution of this decree. At that very 
moment my sister entered the room. She had managed 
to escape from our governess so as to take away all 
means of hiding her and separating her from my mother. 

" My mother did not show the least alarm. She 
wished to put herself as soon as possible under the pro- 
tection of those authorities who could give her effectual 
aid. She had the horses harnessed immediately, and 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 191) 

while the preparations for departure were being made, 
her writing-desk w^as opened, and my father's letters 
seized. 

" ' You will see in them, sir,' said my mother to the 
commissary, ' that if there had been tribunals in France, 
M. de La Fayette would have submitted to them, certain 
as he Avas that not an action of his life could criminate 
him in the eyes of real j^atriots.' 

" ' Nowadays, madam, ' he answered, ' public opinion 
is the only tribunal.' 

"^During that time the soldiers were exploring the 
house. One of them, on seeing the old family pictures, 
said to the housekeeper, who was nearly blind from old 
age : — 

" 'Who are these ? some grand aristocrates, no doubt ? ' 

" ' Good people who are no more/ she answered. ' If 
they were still alive, things would not be going on as 
badly as they are now.' 

" The soldiers contented themselves with running their 
bayonets through several pictures. My mother slipped 
away to give orders for my concealment. Then, w^th my 
sister, who would not leave her for a minute, and my 
aunt, then seventy-three years of age, they departed, fol- 
low^ed by their servants, who hoped to make themselves 
useful by mixing with the soldiers. 

"The journey was most trying. They spent the night 
at Fix. The next morning, on arriving at Le Puy, my 
mother requested to be immediately conducted to the 
'Departement.' 'I respect orders coming from the ad- 
ministration,' she said to the commissary, ' as much as 
I detest those coming from elsewhere.' 

'• The entrance into the town was perilous ; a few days 
previously a prisoner had been massacred on his way 
through the suburbs. My mother said to my sister^ 



200 THE LIF^ OF LA FAYETTE, 

'If your father knew you were here, how anxious he 
would be ; but at the same time what pleasure your con- 
duct would give him.' 

"The prisoners arrived without injury, although several 
stones were thrown into the carriage. They alighted at 
the ' Departement,' the members of which had been im- 
mediately convoked. As soon as the sitting began, my 
mother said that she placed herself with confidence 
under the protection of the 'Departement,' because in it J 
she beheld the authority of the people, which she always 
respected wherever it could be found. 

" ' You receive, Messieurs,' she added, ' your orders 
from M. Roland or from whomsoever you please. As for 
me, I only choose to receive them from you, and I give I 
myself up as your prisoner.' 

" She then requested my father's letters should be 
copied before they were sent to Paris, observing thai 
falsehoods were often brought before the Assembly 
she asked leave to read these letters aloud. Some on< 
having expressed the fear that doing so might be pain 
ful to her, 'On the contrary,' she replied, 'I find sup 
port and comfort in the feelings they contain.' She 
was listened to at first with interest, then with deep 
emotion. 

"After having read the letters and looked over the 
copies, she begged not to leave the house of the ' Depart 
ment' as long as she remained at Le Puy. She exposedj 
the injustice of her detention, how useless and perilous a 
journey to Paris Avould be, and concluded by saying thati 
if they persisted in keeping her as a hostage, she would 
be much obliged to the ' Departement,' were she allowed^ 
to make Chavaniac her prison, and in that case she 
offered her parole not to leave it. It was decided in thes 
next sitting that the ' Departement ' should present hew 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 201 

request to the minister. While awaiting the reply, the 
prisoners Avere to inhabit the building belonging to the 
administration. 

" AVhile in prison, my mother received touching marks 
of symj^athy. She was often watched by friendly 
National Guards, who would ask to be employed on that 
duty in order to prevent its being entrusted to evil-dis- 
posed keepers. She sometimes received accounts of my 
brother, who still remained in the same place of refuge ; 
and of me, for she had thought fit to have me also con- 
cealed at a few leagues from Chavaniac. 

"At this time public affairs were most inauspicious. 
All honest officials took favorable opportunities for 
resigning, and were replaced by Jacobins. We learnt 
that my father, instead of being set free, had been deliv- 
ered up by the coalition to the king of Prussia, and was 
on his way to Spandau. The impression produced on 
my mother by this news was dreadful. She was in 
despair at having given her parole to stay at Chavaniac ; 
for notwithstanding the impossibility of leaving France, 
she could not bear the thoughts of pledging her word to 
give up seeking every means of rejoining my father. 

" M. Eoland's answer came at the end of September. 
He allowed my mother to return to Chavaniac, a pris- 
oner on parole, under the responsibility of the ' adminis- 
tration.' My mother thus received the permission she 
had asked for at the precise moment when she was struck 
with dismay by the sitviation my father was in, and by 
the dangers he was running now at the hands of foreign 
powers, as lately at those of the revolutionists at home. 

" The ' Dej^artement ' decided that the commune would 
each day supply six men to guard my mother, who went 
to the assembly-room immediately on hearing of this 
resolution. 



202 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" ' I here declare, gentlemen/ she said, ' that I will not 
give the parole I offered if guards are to be placed at my 
door. 

" ' Choose between these two securities. I cannot be 
offended by your not trusting me, for my husband has 
given still better proofs of his patriotism than I have of 
my honesty ; but you will allow me to believe in my own 
integrity, and not to add bayonets to my parole.' 

"It was decided that no guard should be set, and 
that the municipality would every fortnight report my 
mother's presence at Chavaniac. My mother, on learn- 
ing that M. Eoland had expressed his disapprobation of 
the massacres of September, and that he alone could 
free her from the engagment she had contracted decided, 
notwithstanding her reluctance, on writing to him the 
following letter : — 

" ' Sir : I can only attribute to a kind feeling the 
change you have brought about in my situation. You 
have s^mred me the dangers of a too perilous journey, 
and consented that my place of retirement should be my 
prison. But any prison whatever has become insup- 
portable, to me since I learnt that my husband has been 
transferred from towrTto town by the enemies of France, 
who were conducting him to Spandau. However repug- 
nant to my feelings it may be to owe anything to men 
who have shown themselves the enemies and accusers of 
him whom I revere and love as I ought to do, it is in all 
the frankness of my heart that I vow eternal gratitude 
to whoever will enable me to join my husband, by tak- 
ing all responsibility from the 'administration,' and by 
giving me back my parole, if in the event of France 
becoming more free it were possible t9 travel Avithout 
dansrer. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. '2i)?> 

"■ ' It is on my knees, if necessary, that I implore this 
favor ; imagine by that the state I am in. 

''^NoAiLLEs La Fayette.' 

" M. Roland thus answered : — 

" ' I have put, madam, your touching request under the 
eyes of the committee. I must nevertheless observe that 
it would seem to me imprudent for a person bearing 
your name to travel through France, on account of the 
unpleasant impression which is at the present moment 
attached to it. But circumstances may alter. I advise 
you to wait, and I shall be the first to seize a favorable 
opportunity.' 

" My mother answered him immediately as follows : — 

" ' I return you thanks, sir, for the ray of hope with 
which you have brightened my heart, so long unaccus- 
tomed to that feeling. Nothing can add to what I owe 
to my parole and to the administrateiirs who rely upon 
it. No degree of misfortune could ever make me think 
of breaking my word, but your letter renders that duty 
a little more supportable, and I already begin to feel 
something of that gratitude I promised you if, delivered 
through your hands, I were restored to the object of my 
affections, and to the happiness of offering him some 
consolation. 

"'NoAiLLEs La Fayette.' 

a Three months had elapsed since we had heard any- 
thing about my father. The public papers had announced 
his transfer to Wessel instead of Spandau : since then 
they had been silent. My mother wrote an unsealed 
letter to the Duke of Brunswick, entreating the general- 
issimo of the allied troops to send her some news of her 
husband through the French army. 

" She also wrote thus to the king of Prussia:-; — 



204 THE LIFE OF LA FA YETTE, 

" 'Sir : Your Majesty's well-known integrity admits of 
M. de La Fayette's wife addressing herself to you with- 
out forgetting what she owes to her husband's character. 
I have always hoped, sir, that Your Majesty would re- 
spect virtue wherever it was to be found, and thereby 
give to Europe a glorious example. It is now five long, 
dreadful months since I last heard anything of M. de La 
Fayette, so I cannot plead his cause. But it seems to me 
that both his enemies and myself speak eloquently in 
his favor : they by their crimes, I by the violence of my 
despair. They prove his virtue, and how much he is 
feared by the wicked 5 I show how worthy he is of being 
loved. They make it a necessity for Your Majesty's 
glory not to have an object of persecution in common 
with them. Shall I myself be fortunate enough to give 
you the occasion of restoring me to life by delivering 
him? 

" ' Allow me, sir, to indulge in that hope as in the one 
of soon owing to you this deep debt of gratitude. 

"'NoAiLLEs La Fayette.' 

" In December M. Eoland obtained from the committee 
the repeal of the order for my mother's arrest. She was 
still under the surveillance to which the ci-devant nobles 
were subjected, and could not leave the department with- 
out express permission. But she was disengaged from 
her promise, and she was not discouraged. Pecuniary 
interests also detained my mother in France, not on her 
own account nor on that of her children, but because 
she looked upon it as a sacred duty before leaving the 
country to see the rights of my father's creditors acknowl- 
edged. 

"The events of the olst of May, which assured the 
triumph of the terrorist ])arty. l)rought no alteration at 



THE K NIGHT OF LIBERTY. 205 

first in our situation, but took from us all hopes for the 
future. 

"Towards the middle of June my mother received, 
through the minister of the United States, two letters 
from my father, written from the dungeon of Magde- 
bourg. The anxiety they occasioned with respect to my 
father's health marred the joy we felt in receiving 
them. ... 

"At that period of the Eevolution, many emigres^ 
wives thought it necessary, for the preservation of their 
children's fortune and for their personal safety, to obtain 
a divorce. My mother esteemed and even respected the 
virtue of several persons who thought themselves obliged 
to take this step. But as for herself, the scruples of her 
conscience would not have allowed her to save her life by 
feigning an act contrary to Christian law, even when no 
one could be deceived. However, another motive influ- 
enced her, though this one would have sufficed. Her love 
for my father made her find pleasure in all that was a 
remembrance of him. Whilst many pious and tender 
wives sought for safety in a pretended divorce, never 
did she address a request to any administration what- 
ever, or present a petition , without feeling satisfaction in 
beginning everything she wrote by these words : ' La 
Femme La Fayette.^ 

"()n the 21st of Brumaire [Nov. 12] my mother re- 
ceived the intelligence that she was to be arrested on 
the following day. She kept this news from us till the 
next morning. The hours passed away in cruel expecta- 
tion. M. Granchier, commissary of the Revolutionary 
Committee, arrived at the chateau in the evening of the 
same day, Avith a detachment of the j^ational Guard of 
Paulhaguet. We all collected in my mother's room, 
where the order of the Committee fV)r her arrest was read 



206 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

aloud. She presented tlie certificate of civism given her 
by the commune. M. G-ranchier answered that it was 
too okl; and that it was of no use, not having been coun- 
tersigned by the Committee. 

" ' Citoyen,' my sister then asked, ' are daughters pre- 
vented from following their mother ? ' 

" ' Yes, mademoiselle,' answered the commissary. 

"She insisted, adding that, being sixteen, she was 
included in the law. He seemed moved, but changed 
the subject. My mother kept up everybody's courage. 
She tried to persuade us that the separation would not 
be a long one. 

"The jail at Brioude was already full. The newly 
arrived prisoners were, nevertheless, crammed into it. 
My mother found herself in the midst of all the ladies 
of the nobility, with whom she had had no intercourse 
since the Revolution. At first they Avere impertinent, but 
they soon shared in the admiration my mother inspired 
in all those who approached her. The society of the 
prison was divided into coteries, which cordially hated 
each other; but for my mother every one professed 
attachment. 

"My mother soon became aware that she could do 
nothing for her deliverance, and that, to escape greater 
misfortunes, her best plan was to avoid attracting atten- 
tion. One day she ventured to suggest the necessity of 
giving more air to a sick woman confined in a small room 
with eleven other people. This brought down on her a 
volley of abuse impossible to deseril)e. My mother was 
happy to find place in a room which served as a passage- 
way, and where three bourgeoises of Brioude Avere already 
established. By these persons she was received in a 
very touching manner. 

"The news mv mother received at that time from 



i 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 207 

Paris caused her most painful agitation. My grand- 
mother and my aunt de JSToailles were put under arrest in 
their own house, at the Hdtel de ]N"oailles. We had occa- 
sional opportunities of communicating with my mother. 
We used to send her clean linen every week. The list was 
sewn on the parcel, and each time we wrote on the back 
of the page, which nobody ever thought of unsewing. 
She would answer us in the same way. But this mode 
of correspondence was not safe enough to be employed 
in giving any other details than those concerning our 
health. 

" The innkeeper's daughter, a child of thirteen, some- 
times managed, when carrying the prisoners' dinner, to 
approach my mother. Blows, abuse of language, all was 
indifferent to that courageous girl, so that she could suc- 
ceed in beholding my mother, and in letting us know 
that she was in good health. 

" In the course of January [1794] we found out that 
it was not impossible to bribe the jailer and to gain 
admission into the prison. M. Frestel (my brother's 
tutor) undertook the negotiation, which was not without 
danger. He succeeded. It was settled that he would 
take one of us every fortnight to Brioude. My sister 
was the first to go. She started on horseback in the 
night, remained the whole of the following day with the 
good aubergiste, who was devoted to us, and spent the 
night with my mother. But when daylight came, they 
were obliged to tear themselves from each other. My 
sister brought back joy in the midst of us with the de- 
tails of this happy meeting. We had, each in our turn, 
the same satisfaction. 

"• My mother's health bore up as well as her fortitude. 
She was the comfort of those who surrounded her, ever 
seekin;^' to be of service to her companions. Thinking 



208 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

she might be useful to some infirm women, she proposed 
to them to have their meals with her. She contrived to 
persuade them that they were contributing to the com- 
mon expense, when nearly all the cost fell upon herself. 
She also cooked for them. The prison life was most 
wearisome. The room in which she slept with five or 
six people was only separated by a screen from the 
public passage. 

" My mother soon became plunged in the deepest afflic- 
tion. She learned that my grandmother, my aunt, and 
the Marechale de Noailles, my grandfather's mother, had 
been transferred to the Luxembourg. 

"Towards the end of May the order to convey my 
mother to the prison of La Force, in Paris, reached Bri- 
oude. You may fancy our despair when we received our 
mother's letter. The messenger had been delayed, and it 
was to be feared that she was no longer at Brioude. M. 
Frestel set off immediately. He was bearer of all the 
small jewelry possessed by the members of the house- 
hold, Avho had given them to be sold in order to avoid my 
mother being conveyed in a cart from brigade to brigade. 

" On arriving at Brioude, M. Frestel obtained a delay 
of twenty-four hours. We soon joined him at the prison. 
We found my mother in a room by herself, but fetters 
were placed near the pallet upon which she had thrown 
herself to seek a little repose. The violence of my sis- 
ter's despair was fearful to witness. Owing to M. Fres- 
tel's entreaties, she obtained leave from my mother to 
follow her, and to accompany him in order to implore 
the aid of the American minister. She remained only 
a short time at the prison, and left us to go to Le Puy 
for the purpose of obtaining a permit to travel out of the 
department. She was to join my mother on the way. 

" My brother and I remained in the horrible room in 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 209 

which my mother was coiitiiied. We all three offered 
up our prayers to God. At twelve o'clock M. G-issaguer 
entered the room and said it was time to depart. My 
mother gave her last instructions to George and to my- 
self, and made us promise to seek and to seize upon every 
means of joining my father. She grieved at seeing us 
undergo so young such cruel misfortunes. 

"My sister passed that day at Le Puy. In spite of 
innumerable obstacles she succeeded in seeing the citoyen 
Guyardin. She conjured him to have an inquiry made 
with respect to my mother's conduct and to forward it 
to Paris. He did not move, remained seated at his bu- 
reau, and continued writing, while she was addressing 
him in the most urgent manner. He refused to read a 
letter from my mother handed to him by Anastasie, 
saying that he could not trouble himself about a prisoner 
who was summoned to Paris, and adding most vulgar 
jokes to his refusal. My unfortunate sister left the room 
in a most violent state of despair and indignation. The 
cruel Guyardin did not grant her the necessary permission 
to travel out of the department and to follow my mother's 
carriage, and my poor sister, in despair, was obliged to let 
M. Frestel set off without her. 

"My mother arrived in Paris on the 19th of Prairial, 
three days before the decree of the 22d, which organized 
line terreur dans la Terreur. At tiiat time no less than 
sixty people were daily falling victims of the Eevolu- 
tionary Tribunal. All seemed to forebode approaching 
death to my mother. You may fancy the anguish of 
mind in which we spent the two months which followed 
my mother's departure for Paris. We were daily expect- 
ing to hear of the greatest misfortune which could befall 
us. Towards that time the chateau of Chavaniac and the 
furniture were sold. 



210 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

» 

''The peasants of the commune brought us with hearty 
good will all that was necessary for our subsistence. Every 
day it was reported that my aunt and my sister were to be 
sent to the prison of Brioude, whilst my brother and my- 
self were to be taken to the hospital. As for my mother, 
the life she was leading at La Petite Force was dreadful. 
At the end of a fortnight my mother was transferred to 
Le Plesis. This building, formerly a college where my 
father had been educated, had been turned into a prison. 

" Since the law of the 22d of Prairial, the Revolution- 
ary Tribunal sent each day sixty persons to the scaffold. 
One of the buildings of Le Plesis served as a depot to the 
Conciergerie, so every morning twenty prisoners could be 
seen departing for the guillotine. ' The thought of soon 
being one of the victims,' my mother wrote, ' makes one 
endure such a sight with more firmness.' Twice she fan- 
cied that she was being called to take her place amongst 
the victims. 

" My mother passed forty days at La Force and Le 
Plesis, expecting death at every moment. In the midst 
of the tumult caused by the revolution of the 10th Thei'- 
midot\ it was for a moment believed that fresh massacres 
would take place in the prisons ; but soon afterward the 
news of Eobespierre's death reached the caj)tives, and it 
became known to them that the executions of the Eevo- 
lutionary Tribunal had ceased. My mother's first thought 
was to send to the Luxembourg. The jailer's answer 
revealed to her the fearful truth. My grandmother, with 
my aunt de Noailles and the Marechale de Xoailles had 
been sent to the scaffold on the 4th Thermidor : the three 
generations perished together. How can I give you an 
idea of my mother's despair ? ' Eeturn thanks to God,' 
she wrote to us later, ' for having preserved my strength, 
my life, my reason ; do not regret that you were far from 



i 



^^K'''.J^\ 



r^s^ 



":i:- m^l ' 




^1 



1 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 211 

me. G-ocl kept me from revolting against Him, but for a 
long, time I could not have borne the slightest appear- 
ance of human comfort.' '' 

Madame La Fayette in her "Life of the Duchesse 
d'Ayen"' gives the following interesting though painful 
particulars regarding the execution of her mother, grand- 
mother, and sister: — 

'^My mother and my sister were put under arrest in 
the first days of October, but allowed to remain well 
guarded at the Hdtel de Noailles. A month later I 
myself was taken as a prisoner to Brioude, and it became 
still more difficult to correspond. 

"Persecutions went on increasing. One day the detenus 
had to answer questions on their actions and on their 
thoughts. My mother and my sister were prepared, and 
answered those who (piestioned them with their usual 
tact and straightforwardness. The inventory of all that 
was in their possession was drawn up. My mother, fear- 
ing she might be made to swear that she had concealed 
nothing, had hung to her side, in the shape of a watch 
chain, all the diamonds which were left her. They were 
not taken ; she sold them that same day to a jeweller, 
who gave her immediately the money she required to 
pay the small debts which were owing, but she never 
received the full amount of what was due her, the jew- 
eller having been beheaded on the following day. 

" Nothing in the world was now left them, save some 
few trifles of my sister's, which were sold, and what 
belonged to M. G-rellet (tutor to my sister's children), 
who had given them all he possessed. This extreme 
poverty and all its consequences are hardly worth men- 
tioning in the midst of so many other and greater trials. 
Each day brought some new misfortune or some fresh 
disaster. My father not l:»eing able to obtain satisfactory 



212 THE LJFE^ OF LA FA YETTE, 

certificates of residence, was obliged to leave his family 
and return to Switzerland, where he had been living for 
some time for his health. My father's men of business 
had all been arrested. It was soon the turn of the mem- 
bers of ' Parlement/ and M. de Saron, my mother's brother- 
in-law, was executed on Easter Sunday, 1794. 

" For some time past even women had not been spared. 
Yet my mother and my sister were far from thinking that 
their personal safety was threatened ; their hearts were, 
however, prepared, and they had asked M. Carrichon if 
he would have the courage to accompany them to the 
foot of the scaffold. 

" At last, in the month of May, they were ordered to 
quit the H6tel de Noailles; and, after having been led 
through Paris from prison door to prison door, they were 
at last conducted with the Marechale de Noailles (my 
father's mother) to the Luxembourg. On arriving there 
my mother's courage did not fail her, and she was much 
calmer than she had been for a long time past. 

"The care my grandmother required occupied them 
incessantly. Notwithstanding all the misfortunes which 
were falling on her at once, my mother forgot none of 
those who were dear to her. It was M. Grellet who 
broke to her the news of my arrival in the prisons of 
Paris ; she cruelly felt this fresh misfortune, and suc- 
ceeded in sending me prudent advice. 

"At last, after having seen falling around her nearly 
all the victims who had been heaped into the same 
prison, as well as those who were dearest to her, she was 
summoned with her mother-in-law and daughter to the 
Conciergerie, that is to say, to death. They arrived at 
the Conciergerie worn out with fatigue. M. Grellet had 
repaired to a cafe next to the gate, and succeeded in 
exchanging a few words with my sister. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 213 

"Deprived of everything, tliey had barely sufficient 
money to obtain a glass of currant water. The persons 
who shared their cell prepared a single miserable bed 
for the three prisoners. My mother was dejected, and 
could not yet believe that so great a crime was possible. 
She stretched herself on the pallet, and entreated my 
sister to lie down by her side. 

" Madame de Noailles refused to lie down, saying that 
she had too short a time to live for it to be worth while 
to take that trouble. Her mother passed part of the night 
in trying to persuade her to do so. ' Think,' she said, 
'of what we shall have to go through to-morrow.' 

" ' Ah, mamma ! ' my sister answered, ' what need have 
we to rest on the eve of eternity ? ' 

"She asked for a prayer-book and a light, by which 
she was enabled to read. She prayed during the whole 
night. She interrupted herself occasionally to attend to 
her grandmother, who slept for several hours at different 
intervals, and who, each time she woke, would read over 
and over again her acte d' accusation, repeating to her- 
self:— 

" ' No ; I cannot be condemned for a conspiracy which 
I have never heard of ; I shall defend my cause before 
the judges in such a manner that they will be obliged to 
acquit me.' She thought of her dress, and feared that 
it might be tumbled ; she settled her cap, and could not 
believe that, for her, that day was to be the last. 

" The next morning, my mother, somewhat rested, saw 
more clearly the doom which awaited her, showed great 
courage, spoke tenderly of her grandchildren, and begged 
of the prisoners who were present to take charge of her 
watch for them. ' It is the last thing I can send them,' 
she said. She took some chocolate with the Madames de 
Boufflers (relations of M. de La Favette), and was after- 



214 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Avards summoned to the horrible tribunaL I have been 
told that my sister, whilst dressing my mother, seemed 
still to find happiness in attending upon her. She was 
heard to say, ' Courage, mamma, it is only one hour 
more ! ' 

"My sister, the Vicomtesse de ISToailles, entreated the 
prisoners to send to her children an empty pocket-book, 
a portrait, and some hair. But she was told that such a 
mission would endanger the persons who occupied the 
room. The name of her sister, Madame de La Fayette, 
was pronounced in that fearful abode. She imposed 
silence for fear of putting me in danger. She made no 
attempt to seek repose. Her eyes remained opened to 
contemplate that heaven into which she was about to 
enter. Her face reflected the serenity of her soul. The 
idea of immortality supported her courage. Never was 
so much calm witnessed in such a place. But she would 
forget everything to be of use to her mother and grand- 
mother. 

" Nine o'clock struck. The Hidssiers carried off their 
victims ; tears were shed by those who had only known 
them for twelve hours. The mothers made some arrange- 
ments for the event of an acquittal. But my sister, who 
did not doubt of the doom which awaited them, thanked 
Madame Lavet (one of their fellow-prisoners), with that 
charming manner which was in her a gift of nature, ex- 
pressed all her gratitude for her kind attentions, and 
added, ' Votre figure est heurease; vous ne perirez }jas.' 

" M. Grellet, who the day before had been confined in 
a cell for three hours on p.ccount of the interest he had 
evinced for the prisoners, having been released as by a 
miracle, repaired to M. Carrichon. This good priest, as 
well as M. Brun, obtained from Heaven strength enough 
to follow the prisoners on the way from the Conciergerie 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 215 

to the scaffold ; there my sister recognized M. Carrichoii, 
and, with a presence of mind sublime at such a moment, 
she pointed him out to my mother, who appeared agitated, 
but who collected all her courage, and received fresh 
strength by the grace of absolution. From that moment 
till the last, her thoughts were no longer on earthly 
things ; and during the three-quarters of an hour she 
had to wait at the foot of the scaffold, she did not cease 
to pray with fervor and resignation. MM. Brun and 
Carrichon remained till all was over. I feel that the 
thought of following in footsteps so dear would have 
taken from the horror of so awful an end. 

" Je renonce d> rien e.vprimer^ parce que ce que je sens 
est inexp'mnable," 



216 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Dreadful Scenes of the French Revolution — M. Carrichon's Ac- 
count of the Last Days of the Marechale de Noailles, the Duch- 
esse d'Ayen, and the Vicomtesse de Noailles — They are sent to 
the Luxembourg — Are taken before the Revolutionary Tribu- 
nal — Their Condemnation — Heroism of the Young Vicomtesse 
de Noailles — The Insulting Mob — The Protecting Thunder 
Storm — Their Last Prayers — Arrival at the Scaffold — Their 
Impressive Appearance — Their Unflinching Courage — Their 
Heavenly Resignation — The Last Farewell — Execution of the 
aged Marechale de Noailles — The Duchesse d'Ayen upon the 
Scaffold — Angelic Appearance of the Vicomtesse de Noailles — 
The Last End — Virginie La Fayette's Narrative — Her Brother, 
George Washington La Fayette, sent to America — Letter from 
Madame La Fayette to Washington — Madame La Fayette and 
her Daughters obtain Permission to share the Captivity of the 
General — Their Arrival at Olmiitz — The Pathetic Meeting — 
Letter from Madame La Fayette — Virginie describes their 
Prison Life — Letter from Madame La Fayette to the Emperor 
— Her Illness — Ignominious Offer of Liberty — La Fayette 
declines to accept the Shameful Conditions — General Bona- 
parte opens their Prison Doors — La Fayette's Letter to Napo- 
leon — Letter from Madame de Stael — Efforts in Behalf of La 
Fayette in England and America — La Fayette's Lecter to Joseph 
Masclet — Madame La Fayette's Letter to Washington — Wash- 
ington's Letter to the Emperor of Germany in Behalf of the 
Marquis — General Latour-Maubourg describes Prison Life at 
Olmiitz — La Fayette's Unconquered Spirit — Washington's Let- 
ter to him at the Time of his Release — La Fayette's Letter to 
Masclet. 

" Liberty ! Liberty ! how many crimes are committed in thy 
name ! " — Madame Roland. 

THE dreadful scenes of the Frencli Revolution send a 
cliill of horror to our souls as we read of them, but 
we realize with more painful clearness the direful deeds 



M 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 217 

of those bloody days when some eye-witness of those 
awfnl, heart-rending times pictures for us some individ- 
ual doom and some particular scene. The following nar- 
rative of the death of Mesdames d'Ayen andde Noailles 
by M. Carrichon, priest of the congregation of the Oratory, 
will give a most vivid idea of the sufferings of these 
women, who, with Madame de La Fayette, must be 
classed amongst the most illustrious heroines of the 
French Revolution. 

" The Marechale de JSToailles, the Duchesse d'Ayen, her 
daughter-in-law, and the Vicomtesse de Noailles, her 
granddaughter, were detained prisoners in their own 
house from November, 1793, till April, 1794. The first 
1 only knew by sight, but was well acquainted with the 
two others, whom I generally visited once a week. 

" Terror and crime were increasing together ; victims 
were becoming more numerous. <)ne day, as the ladies 
were exhorting each other to prepare for death, I said to 
them, as by foresight : ' If you go to the scaffold, and if 
God gives me strength to do so, I shall accompany you.' 

" They took me at my word, and eagerly exclaimed : 
' Will you promise to do so ? ' For one moment I hesi- 
tated ; 'Yes,' I replied, ' and so that you may easily rec- 
ognize me, I will wear a dark blue coat and a red waist- 
coat.' After that they often reminded me of my promise. 

" In the month of April, 1794, during. Easter week, 
they were all three conveyed to the Luxembourg. I had 
frequent accounts of them through M. Grellet, whose 
delicate attentions and zealous services were of such 
service both to them and to their children. I was often 
reminded of my promise. 

"On the 27th of June, on a Monday or a Friday, he 
came to beg of me to fulfil the engagement I had taken 
with the Marechal de Mouchy and his wife. 



218 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

'' I went to the Palais de Justice, and succeeded in 
entering the court. 1 stood very near, with my eyes fixed 
upon them during a (|uarter of an hour. M. and Madame 
de Mouchy, whom I had only seen once at their own 
house, and whom 1 knew better than they knew me, 
could not distinguish me in the crowd. God inspired me, 
and Avith His help I did all I could for them. The Mare- 
chal was singidarly edifying, and prayed aloud with all 
his heart. 

" The day before, on leaving the Luxembourg, he had 
said to those who had given him marks of sympathy : 
' At seventeen years of age I entered the breach for my 
king ; at seventy -seven I mount the scaffold for my God ; 
my friends, I am not to be pitied.' 

"I avoid details which would become interminable. 
That day I thought it useless to go as far as the guillo- 
tine ; besides, my courage failed me. This was ominous 
for the fulfilment of the promise I had made to their 
relations, who were throAvn into the deepest affliction by 
this catastrophe. They had all been confined in the 
same prison, and had thus been of great comfort to each 
other. 

" I could say much about the numerous and dismal 
processions which preceded or followed that of the 27th, 
and which were happy or miserable according to the 
state of mind of those who composed them; sad they 
always were, even wdien every exterior sign denoted res- 
ignation, and promised a Christian death; but truly 
heart-rending when the doomed victims had none of 
these feelings, and seemed about to pass from the suffer- 
ings of this world to those of the next. 

" C)n the 22d of Jidy, 1794, on a Tuesday, between 
eight and ten o'clock in the morning, I was just going 
out. I heard a knock. I opened the door and saw the 



THE KNIiJHT OF LIBERTY. 219 

Noailles cliiklreii with their tutor, iM. (xrellet. The chil- 
dren were cheerful, as is usually the case at that age, but 
under their merriment was concealed a sadness of heart 
caused by their recent losses and by their fears for the 
future. The tutor looked sad, careworn, pale, and hag- 
gard. ' Let us go to your study,' he said, ' and leave the 
children in this room.' We did so. He threw himself on 
a chair. ' All is over, my friend,' he said ; ' the ladies are 
before the Revolutionary Tribunal. I summon you to 
keep your word. T shall take the boys to Vincennes to 
see little Eu})hemie [their sister]. While in the wood I 
shall prepare these unfortunate children for their terrible 
loss.' 

"Although I had long been prepared for this news, I 
was greatly shocked. The frightful situation of the 
parents, of the children, of their worthy tutor, that 
youthful mirth so soon to be followed by such misery, 
poor little Euphemie, then only four years old, — all these 
thoughts rushed upon my mind. But I soon recovered 
myself, and after a few questions and answers full of 
mournful details, I said to M. Grellet, ' You must go 
now, and I must change my dress. What a task I have 
before me ! pray that God may give me strength to ac- 
complish it.' 

" We rose, and found the children innocently amusing 
themselves, looking gay and happy. The sight of them, 
the thought of their unconsciousness of what they were 
so soon to learn, and of the interview which would fol- 
low with their little sister, rendered the contrast more 
striking, and almost broke my heart. 

" Left alone after their departure, I felt terrified and 
exhausted. ' My God, have pity on them and on me I ' 1 
exclaimed. I changed my clothes and went to two or 
three places. AVith a heavy load on my heart, I turned 



220 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

my steps towards the Palais cle Justice, between one and 
two o'clock in the afternoon. I tried to get in, but found 
it impossible. I made inquiries of a person who had just 
left the tribunal. I still doubted the truth of the news 
which had been told me. But the answer destroyed all 
illusion and all hope ; I could doubt no longer. 

'^ Once more I went on my way and turned my steps 
towards the Faubourg Saint- Ant oine. What thoughts, 
what agitation, what secret terrors distracted my poor 
brain! I opened my heart to a friend whom I could 
trust, and who, speaking to me in God's name, strength- 
ened my courage. At his house I took some coffee, which 
seemed to relieve my head. 

" Thoughtful and irresolute, I slowly retraced my steps 
towards the Palais de Justice, dreading to get there, and 
hoping not to find those whom I was seeking. I arrived 
before five o'clock. There were no signs of departure. 
Sick at heart, I ascended the steps of the Sainte Chapelle j 
then I walked into the grande salle, and wandered about. 
I sat down, I rose again, but spoke to no one. From 
time to time I cast a melancholy glance towards the 
courtyard, to see if there were any signs of dei)arture. 

" My constant thought was that in two hours, perhaps 
in one, they would be no more. I cannot say how over- 
whelmed I was by that idea, which has affected me 
through life on all such occasions, and they have only 
been too frequent. While a prey to these mournful 
feelings, never did an hour appear to me so long or so 
short as the one which elapsed between five and six 
o'clock on that day. Conflicting thoughts were inces- 
santly crossing my mind, which made me suddenly pass 
from the illusions of vain hope to fears, alas ! too well 
founded. 

" At last I saw, by a movement in the crowd, that the 



I 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 221 

prison door was on the point of being opened. I went 
down and placed myself near the outer gate, as for the 
previous fortnight it had become impossible to enter the 
prison yard. The first cart was filled with prisoners, 
and came towards me. It was occupied by eight ladies, 
whose demeanor was most admirable. Of these, seven 
were unknown to me. The last, who was very near me, 
was the Marechale de jSToailles. A transient ray of hope 
crossed my mind when I saw that her daughter-in-law 
and her granddaughter were not with her; but alas! 
they were in the second cart. 

" Madame de Noailles was in white ; she did not appear 
more than twenty-four years of age ; Madame d'Ayen, who 
looked about forty, wore a dress striped blue and white. 
Six men got in after them. I was pleased to see the 
respectful distance at which the two first placed them- 
selves so as to leave more liberty to the ladies. They 
were scarcely seated when the mother became the object 
of that tender solicitude for which her daughter was 
well known. 

" I heard it said near me, ' Look at that young one ! 
how anxious she seems ! See how she is speaking to the 
other one ! ' For my part I felt as if I heard all they 
were saying: 'Mamma, he is not there.' 'Look again.' 
• Nothing escapes me ; I assure you, mamma, he is not 
there.' 

" They had evidently forgotten that I had sent them 
word that it would be impossible for me to gain admittance 
into the prison yard. The first cart stopped before me 
during at least a quarter of an hour. It moved on ; the 
second followed. I approached the ladies ; they did not 
see me. I went again into the Palais de Justice, and 
then a long way round, and stood at the entrance of the 
Pont-au-Ohange, in a prominent place. Madame de 



222 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Noailles cast her eyes around her; she passed and did 
not see me. I followed the carts over the bridge, and 
thus kept near the ladies, though separated from them 
by the crowd. Madame de Xoailles, still looking for 
me, did not perceive me. Madame d'Ayen's anxiety be- 
came visible on her countenance. Her daughter watched 
the crowd with increasing attention, but in vain. I felt 
tempted to turn back. 'Have I not done all that I 
could ? ' I inwardly exclaimed. ' Everywhere the croAvd 
will be greater ; it is useless to go any farther.' I Avas 
on the point of giving up the attempt. 

'' Suddenly the sk}^ became overclouded ; thunder was 
heard in the distance ; I made a fresh effort. A short 
cut brought me, before the arrival of the carts, to the Rue 
Saint- Antoine, nearly opposite the too famous Force. At 
that moment the storm broke forth. The wind blew vio- 
lently ; flashes of lightning and claps of thunder followed 
in rapid succession; the rain poured down in torrents. 
I took shelter at a shop door. The spot is always pres- 
ent to my memory, and I have never passed it by since 
without emotion. In one moment the street was cleared ; 
the crowd had taken refuge in the shoj^s and gateways. 
There was less order in the procession, both the escort 
and the carts having quickened their pace. They were 
close to the Petit Saint- Antoine, and I was still unde- 
cided. The first cart passed. By a precipitous and in- 
voluntary movement I quitted the shop door, rushed 
towards the second cart, and found myself close to the 
ladies. Madame de Noailles perceived me, and smiling, 
seemed to say, ' There you are at last ? How happy we 
are to see you ! How we have looked for you ! Mamma, 
there he is.' Madame d'Ayen appeared to revive. As for 
myself, all irresolution vanished from my mind. By the 
grace of God I felt possessed of extraordinary courage. 



THE KNIGHT OF TABERTY. 223 

Soaked with rain and perspiration, I continued to walk 
by them. On the steps of the church of Saint-Louis I 
met a friend, who, filled with respect and attachment for 
the ladies, was endeavoring to give them the same assist- 
ance. His countenance, his attitude, showed what he 
felt. I placed my hand on his shoulder, and shudder- 
ing, said, ' Good evening, my dear friend.' 

" The storm was at its height. The wind blew tem- 
pestuously, and greatly annoyed the ladies in the first 
cart, more especially the Marechale de Noailles. With 
her hands tied behind her, with no support for her back, 
she tottered on the wretched plank upon which she was 
placed. Her large cap fell back and exposed to view 
some gray hairs. Immediately a number of people who 
were gathered there notwithstanding the rain, having 
recognized her, she became the sole object of their atten- 
tion. They added by their insults to the sufferings she 
was enduring so patiently. ' There she is,' they cried, 
'that Marechale who used to go about with so many 
attendants, driving in such fine coaches ; there she is in 
the cart just like the others.' The shouts continued, the 
sky became darker, the rain fell heavier still. We were 
close to the cross-road preceding the Faubourg Saint- 
Antoine. I went forward, examined the spot, and said 
to myself, ' This is the place for granting them what 
they so much long for.' 

"The cart was going slower. I turned towards the 
ladies and made a sign which Madame de ISToailles under- 
stood perfectly. ' Mamma, M. Carrichon is going to give 
us absolution,' she evidently whispered. They piously 
bowed their heads with a look of repentance, contrition, 
and hope. Then I lifted up my hand, and without un- 
covering my head, pronounced the form of absolution 
and the words which follow it very distinctly and with 



224 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

supernatural attention. Xever shall I forget the expres- 
sion of their faces. From that moment the storm abated, 
the rain diminished, and seemed only to have fallen for 
the furtherance of our wishes. I offered up my thanks 
to God, and so did, I am sure, these pious women. 
Their exterior appearance spoke contentment, security, 
and joy. 

"As we advanced through the 'Faubourg,' the rain 
having ceased, a curious multitude again lined the two 
sides of the street, insulting the ladies in the first cart, 
l)ut above all the Marechale. Nothing was said to the 
others. I sometimes walked by the side of the carts and 
sometimes preceded them. 

"At last we reached the fatal spot. I cannot describe 
what I felt. What a moment I what a separation ! what 
an affliction for the children, husbands, sisters, relations, 
and friends who are to survive those beloved ones in this 
valley of tears ! There they are before me full of health, 
and in one moment I shall see them no more. What 
anguish ! yet not without deep consolation at beholding 
them so resigned. 

" We came in sight of the scaffold. The carts stopped, 
and Avere immediately surrounded by the soldiers. A 
ring of numerous spectators was soon formed, most of 
whom were laughing and amusing themselves at the 
horrible sight. It was dreadful to be amongst them ! 

" While the executioners and his two assistants were 
helping the prisoners out of the first cart, Madame de 
Noailles' eyes sought for me in the crowd. 8he caught 
sight of me. What a wonderful expression there was in 
her face ! Sometimes raised towards heaven, some- 
times lowered towards earth, her eyes so animated, so 
gentle, so expressive, so heavenly, were often fixed on me 
in a manner Avhich would have attracted notice if those 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 225 

around me had had time for observation. I pulled my 
hat over my eyes, without taking them off her. I felt 
as if I could hear her say : ' Our sacrifice is accom- 
plished ! we have the firm and comforting hope that a 
merciful God is calling us to Him. How many dear to 
us we leave behind ! but we shall forget no one. Fare- 
well to them and thanks to you ! Jesus Christ who died 
for us is our strength ; may we die in Him ! Farewell ! 
May we all meet again in heaven ! ' 

" It is impossible to give an idea of the animation and 
fervor of those signs, the eloquence of which Avas so 
touching that the bystanders exclaimed : ' Oh, that young 
woman, how happy she seems ! how she looks up to 
heaven ! how she is praying ! But what is the use of it 
all ? ' And then, on second thoughts, ' Oh, the rascals ! 
the bigots ! ' 

" The mother and daughter took a last farewell of each 
other and descended from the cart. As for me, the outer 
world disappeared for a moment. At once broken-hearted 
and comforted, I could only return thanks to God for not 
having waited for this moment to give them absolution, 
or, which would have been still worse, delayed it till 
they had ascended the scaffold. We could not have 
joined in prayer while I gave and they received this 
great blessing as we had been enabled to do in the most 
favorable circumstances possible at such a time. I left the 
spot where I was standing and went over to the other 
side while the victims were getting out. I found myself 
opposite the wooden steps which led to the scaffold. An 
old man, tall and straight, with white hair and a good- 
natured countenance, was leaning against it. I was told 
he was a, fermier-general. Near him stood a very edify- 
ing lady whom I did not know. Then came the Mare- 
chale de Noailles exactly opposite me, dressed in black. 



226 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

for she was still in mourning for her husband. She was 
sitting on a block of wood or stone which happened to 
be there, her large eyes fixed with a vacant look. I had 
not omitted to do for her what I had done for so many, 
and in particular for the Mar^chal and Marechale de 
Mouchy. All the others were drawn up in two lines 
looking towards the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. 

" From where I stood I could only perceive Madame 
d'Ayen, whose attitude and countenance expressed the 
most sublime, unaffected, and devout resignation. She 
seemed only occupied with the sacrifice she was about 
to make to God through the merits of the Saviour, his 
divine Son. She looked as she was wont to do when she 
had the happiness of approaching the altar for holy com- 
munion. I shall never forget the impression she made 
on me at that moment. It is often in my thoughts. God 
grant that I may profit by it ! 

" The Marechale de Noailles was the third person who 
ascended the scaffold. The upper part of her dress had 
to be cut away in order to uncover her throat. I was 
impatient to leave the place, but yet I wished to drink 
the cup of bitterness to the dregs and to keep my prom- 
ise, as God was giving me strength to do so, even in the 
midst of my shuddering horror. Six ladies followed; 
Madame d'Ayen was the tenth. How happy she seemed 
to die before her daughter ! The executioner tore off 
her cap. As it was fastened with a pin which he had 
forgotten to remove, he pulled her hair violently; and 
the pain he caused was visible on her countenance. 

" The mother disappeared ; the daughter took her place. 
What a sight to behold that young creature, all in white, 
looking still younger than she really was, like a gentle 
lamb going to the slaughter ! I fancied I was witnessing 
the martyrdom of one of the young virgins or holy 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 227 

women whom we read of in the history of the Church. 
What had happened to the mother also happened to her ; 
the same j)ain in the removal of the cap ; then the same 
composure and the same death. Oh, the abundant crim- 
son stream that gushed from the head and neck ! ' How 
happy she is now ! ' I thought, as the body was thrown 
into the frightful coffin. 

" It would appear that Madame de Noailles, as well as 
her mother, had exhorted her fellow-victims, and amongst 
them a young man whoju she heard blaspheming. As 
she was ascending the scaffold, she turned towards him 
and said, 'En grdce, Monsieur^ dites, " Pardon J^ ' 

" May Almighty God in his mercy bestow on the mem- 
bers of that family all the blessings which I ask and 
entreat them to ask for mine ! May we all be saved 
with those who have gone before us to that happy dwell- 
ing where revolutions are unknown; to that abode 
which, according to the words of Saint Augustine, has 
Truth for its king. Charity for its law, and will endure 
for Eternity." 

Once more we return to the account of Virginie La 
Fayette, Marquise de Lasteyrie : — 

" For some time after the 10th of Thermidor, the pris- 
oners still considered themselves as being between life 
and death. The massacres had ceased ; but they might 
be renewed. My mother received frequent visits from 
M. Carrichon, the holy priest who had accompanied my 
grandmother and my aunt to the foot of the scaffold, 
who had given them absolution, and had witnessed their 
sacrifice. You can imagine all she felt on hearing the 
admirable details he gave her of the last moments of 
those angelic women. 

'' Meanwhile, the endeavors to obtain my mother's re- 
lease were incessant. The American minister continued 



228 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

indefatigable in his exertions. At last the members of 
the Committee gave an order for her release. 

"My mother's first care was to go and thank M. 
Monroe for all he had done in her behalf. 

" It was six days after she had left prison that George 
joined my mother, who had sent for him. My mother 
longed to see my sister and me, bnt she would not leave 
Paris before having obtained for my brother a passport 
for America. Knowing that my father's wish would be 
to send him to the United States, she did not hesitate to 
make the sacrifice of separating herself from George. 
M. Frestel was to accompany him. My mother wrote 
the following letter to General Washington : — 

" ' Sir : I send you my son. It is with the deepest and 
most sincere confidence that I put my dear child under 
the protection of the United States, which he has ever 
been accustomed to look upon as his second country, and 
which I myself have always considered as being our 
future home under the special protection of their Presi- 
dent, with whose feelings towards his father I am well 
acquainted. 

" ^ My wish is that my son should lead a .very secluded 
life in America, that he should resume his studies, inter- 
rupted by three years of misfortunes, and that, far from 
the land where so many events are taking place which 
might either dishearten or revolt him, he may become 
fit to fulfil the duties of a citizen of the United States, 
whose feelings and whose principles will always agree 
with those of a Prench citizen. 

" ' I shall not say anything here of my own position, 
nor of the one which interests me still more than mine. 
I rely upon the bearer of this letter to interpret the 
feelings of my heart, too sorrowful to express any others 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 229 

but those of the gratitude I owe to MM. Monroe, Skyp- 
with, and Mountflorence, for their kindness and their 
useful endeavors in my behalf. 

" ' I beg M. Washington will accept the assurance, etc. 
'^ ' NoAiLLES La Fayette.' 

"It can easily be imagined how cruelly my mother 
suffered on separating herself from her son, and on send- 
ing him, at fourteen, alone, amongst strangers, two thou- 
sand leagues off. But such would have been my father's 
wish, and she found strength in that thought. 

"My mother, after bidding farewell to George, had 
nothing more to keep her in Paris. She started for 
Auvergne. We went to meet her. You may fancy the 
ecstasy of our joy on seeing her. At last my mother's 
passport was granted. She had provided for everything. 
All her actions, all her thoughts since my father's de- 
parture had tended to find the means of joining him. It 
was after many difficulties and anxieties that we arrived 
at Vienna. The old Prince de Rosemberg, grand cham- 
berlain, was moved by her appeal, and obtained for her 
an audience of the emperor, unknown to his ministers. 
We accompanied her. She was received with politeness, 
and simply asked permission to share my father's cap- 
tivit}^ The emperor answered : ' I grant it to you ; as for 
his liberty, that would be impossible ; my hands are tied.' 
To the expression of her gratitude for the favor she had 
just obtained, my mother added that the wives of my 
father's friends imprisoned with him at Olmiitz would 
envy her happiness. He replied: ^They have only to 
act like you. I shall do the same for them.' My mother 
said that she had heard of several vexations in use in 
the Prussian prisons, and she begged the emperor to 
allow her to address herself directly to him for the re- 



230 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

quests she might have to make. He answered : ' I con- 
sent. But you will find M. de La Fayette well fed and 
well treated. I hope you will do me justice. Your 
presence will give him fresh satisfaction. Anyhow, you 
will be pleased with the commanding officer. In jail the 
prisoners are only distinguished by their numbers, but 
as for your husband, his name is well known.' 

" My mother left the audience-chamber, in an ecstasy 
of joy. She was obliged to pass a week more in Vienna, 
to hasten the despatch of the order which was to give 
her admittance into the prison. At last, after many 
delays, the order for admitting my mother into the 
prison of Olmiitz was delivered to her by Ferraris, 
minister of war. He told her at the same time that he 
thought it his duty to advise her to reflect on the course 
she was taking, to Avarn her that she would be most 
uncomfortable, and that the prison life she was going to 
lead might have serious consequences for her and for 
her daughters. My mother did not even listen to him, 
and we set off immediately. 

" We arrived on the second day after our departure, at 
eleven o'clock in the morning. Never shall I forget the 
moment when the post-boy pointed out to us in the dis- 
tance the steeples of Olmiitz. My mother's emotion is 
still present to my mind. She was for some time choked 
with tears, but, as soon as she recovered the power of 
speech, she blessed God by these words of Tobit's 
prayer : — 

"'Blessed be God that liveth forever, and blessed be 
His kingdom, for He doth scourge and hath mercy ; He 
leadeth down to hell, and bringeth up again ; neither is 
there any that can avoid His hand. Confess Him before 
the Gentiles, ye children of Israel : for He hath scattered 
us among them. There declare his sjreatness, and extol 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 231 

Him before all the living ; for He is our Lord, and He 
is the God our Father forever. And He will scourge us 
for our iniquities, and will have mercy again, and will 
gather us out of all nations, among whom He has scat- 
tered us. Therefore see what He will do with you, and 
confess Him with your whole mouth, and praise the 
Lord of might, and extol the everlasting King. Let my 
soul bless God the great King.' 

"We drove to the house of the commander of the 
town. He sent the officer in charge of the prison to 
conduct us. After having been admitted through the 
first door, which was locked on the guard itself, we ar- 
rived, by passing through several long passages, to the 
two padlocked doors of my father's room. My father 
had not been informed of our arrival. Thre-e years of 
captivity, the last of which had been passed in complete 
solitude, — for, since the attempt at escape, he had not 
even seen his servant, — continual anxiety with respect 
to all the objects of his affection, sufferings of every 
kind, had deeply impaired his health ; he was fearfully 
altered. My mother was struck with the change, but 
nothing could diminish the rapture of her joy, save the 
bitterness of her irreparable losses. My father, after 
the first moment of happiness caused by this unexpected 
meeting, dared not make any inquiries. He knew there 
had been a reign of terror in France, but he had not 
learned the names of the victims. The day passed without 
his venturing to ask any question; my mother had 
not courage enough to break the subject herself. It was 
only in the evening, after we had been locked in an ad- 
joining but separate room, which had been assigned to 
my sister and myself, that she told my father that her 
grandmother, her mother, and her sister had perished 
on the scaffold." 



232 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Madame La Fayette Y\a'ote thus to lier aunt, when re- 
united to her husband : — 

"Thanks to your good advice, dear aunt, I have at- 
tained my wishes. If I had been known, I could never 
have entered the Austrian dominions ; and if I had not 
kept very quiet at Vienna until M. de Kosemberg had 
arranged my audience, I should never have succeeded. 
The emperor very politely granted us permission to be 
imprisoned with M. de La Fayette, and said at the same 
time that the affair was very complicated, and did not 
depend on him alone; but he assured us he should be 
well treated, and that our presence serait un agrement de 
plus. . . . Fancy the feelings of M. de La Fayette, who 
for eighteen months had not been permitted to learn 
even if we existed, and who had seen no one but his 
jailers, when, without any preparation, we entered his 
room. . . , 

" Would you like to know the sort of life we lead here ? 
At eight o'clock the jailers call us to breakfast,- after 
which I am locked up with my little girls till midday. 
We all dine together, and the turnkey comes in twice, to 
take away the dishes, and to bring in supper. We are 
all together until eight o'clock, when they carry off my 
little girls to their cage. The keys of their room are 
always delivered to the commandant, and they are locked 
in with all sorts of absurd precautions. We three pay 
for our food out of my money. We have more than we 
can eat, but inexpressibly dirty. ... It is a great bless- 
ing to us both that the children keep well in this un- 
wholesome place. My own health is not very good . . . 
but nothing to make me uneasy. Of course you feel that 
nothing could induce us to leave M. de La Fayette. His 
health is really improved since our arrival. His terrible 
emaciation and pallor are the same, though both his 



II 



THE KMGIIT OF LIBERTY. 233 

keepers and himself assure me that they are nothing like 
what they were a year ago. But no one can go through 
four years of such captivity wdtli impunity. I have not 
heen able to see his fellows-captives, Messieurs de Mau- 
bourg and de Pusy, nor even to hear their voices ; from 
the age one of their late keepers supposed them to be 
they must have grown terribly older." 

"You know the details of our captivity at Olmiitz," 
writes Yirginie ; " my mother shared in all its hardships. 
AVe had not the slightest intercourse with the outside. 
The doors were only opened for the officer's visit at meal 
time. We were refused a woman for household work. 
On entering the prison we were asked for our purses, and 
three silver forks found in our luggage were seized. The 
use of a knife and fork was refused us, and w^e w^ere 
obliged, during the whole time, to eat with our fingers. 
My mother applied to the authorities on all these sub- 
jects, but all her requests w^ere refused. 

"My mother deeply felt the grief of being unable to 
alleviate the sufferings of her companions in captivity. 
But as for herself, no w^ords could express her happiness. 
You can only imagine it by remembering what was the 
ruling passion of her life from the age of fourteen, and 
how much she had gone through from frequent separa- 
tions and incessant labors which had so constantly called 
my father from his home, as from the great dangers to 
which he had been exposed. She had passed three hor- 
rible years almost without a hope of ever seeing him 
again. At last she possessed that happiness which, dur- 
ing all her life, she had been longing for; each day she 
beheld the influence of her presence on my father's health, 
and the solace she afforded him; she was surprised at 
feeling so happy, and reproached herself for being satis- 
fied with her situation while my father was still a pris- 



234 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

oner. She was allowed now and then to write, under 
the eyes of the officer on duty, short unsealed letters 
to the banker, who remitted the money necessary for 
our food. Permission to write to her son was refused, 
in order that no intelligence from the prison of Olmiitz 
should reach the United States. It was with a tooth- 
pick and a small piece of India ink that she wrote my 
grandmother's life on the margins of the engravings of a 
volume of Buffon. 

"As might have been expected, my mother's health 
had suffered much. Never did she show more meri- 
torious submission to my father's wishes than when 
she determined to write to the emperor for permission 
to go and consult the doctors at Vienna. At the end of 
seven weeks the commander of Olmiitz came to inti- 
mate a verbal refusal to leave the prison unless she 
gave up all hopes of returning. He asked at the same 
time for a written answer. It was as follows : — 

" ^ The commander of Olmiitz having declared to me 
that, on my request to go for a week to Vienna in order 
to consult the doctors, his Imperial Majesty does not per- 
mit me under any pretence whatever to go to Vienna, 
and only allows me to leave this prison on condition 
never to enter it again, I have the honor here to renew 
my answer. It was my duty towards my family and 
friends to try and obtain the advice necessary for my 
health, but they well know that I cannot accept the con- 
ditions offered to me. I cannot forget that while we 
were both on the eve of perishing, I through the tyranny 
of Eobespierre, M. de La Fayette through the physical 
and moral sufferings of his captivity, I was neither 
allowed to receive any accounts of him, nor to let him 
know that his children and I were still alive. I shall 
not expose myself to the horrors of another separation. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 235 

" ' Therefore, whatever may be the state of my health, 
or the hardships of this abode for my daughters, we 
shall all three take advantage of his Imperial Majesty's 
goodness in allowing us to share this captivity in all its 
details. Noailles La Fayette.' 

"My mother's illness made rai)id progress. The 
doctor was only allowed to see her a moment dur- 
ing the officer's visit. Being ignorant of the French 
language he could not understand her, but would ex- 
press in Latin his fears to my father. This state lasted 
eleven months, during which no alleviation of the prison 
treatment was obtained. She had not even an arm- 
chair. Her sufferings did not in the least impair her 
spirits. Seeing her always serene, always enjoying my 
father's company, and the consolations she had brought 
with her, we were all less anxious than we ought to 
have been. 

"My sister supplied the place of outdoor workmen; 
she even made shoes for my father. But her principal 
occupation was to write under his dictation on the mar- 
gins of a book. My mother attended to my education, 
and used to read with me ; but the margins of a book, 
the toothpicks, and the bit of India ink were things 
too precious for my use. In the evening my father used 
to read aloud to us : I still remember the pleasure of 
those moments. 

" In the interior of the prison we had established a 
correspondence with our companions in captivity, with 
the help of the soldiers, whom we bribed by the pleasure 
of a good meal. Of a night, through our double bars, we 
used to lower, at the end of a string, a parcel with part 
of our supper, to the sentry on duty under our windows, 
who would pass the packet in the same manner to MM. de 



236 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Maiibourg and de Piisy, who occupied separate parts of 
the prison. 

"In the month of July, 1797, the Marquis de Chas- 
teler, Austrian general, Avas sent by the emperor to 
Olmiitz, in order to offer their liberty to the prisoners on 
condition that they would promise never again to appear 
in his dominions. The day they received this proposal 
they heard that the French government, who insisted 
on their deliverance, had declared at the same time 
that they could not return to France. Notwithstanding 
this proof of ill-will, the three friends, who had been 
allowed to meet a moment in order to consult together 
on their decision, refused to make any agreement which 
did not preserve entire the rights of their country on 
their persons ; this restriction caused the prison doors 
to be closed on them again." 

The following was La Fayette's declaration in answer 
to the offer of liberty upon conditions which he consid- 
ered too ignoble to comply with : — 

"Olmutz, July 25, 1797. 

"The commission with which the Marquis de Chas- 
teler is entrusted appears to me to reduce itself to three 
points : First, His Imperial Majesty wishes to have a 
statement of our situation at Olmiitz. I am disposed to 
present no complaint to him. Several details will be 
found in my wife's letters transmitted or sent back by 
the Austrian government, and should his Imperial Ma- 
jesty not consider it sufficient to re-peruse the instructions 
sent from Vienna in his name, I will willingly furnish 
the Marquis de Chasteler with all the information he 
may desire. 

"Secondly. His Majesty the emperor wishes to be 
assured that immediately after my liberation 1 shall set 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. TSl 

out for America. That intention I have often expressed, 
but as an answer woukl, under present circumstances, 
appear like an acknowledgment of the right to impose 
on me such a condition, I think it inexpedient to comply 
with the demand. 

'^ Thirdly, His Majesty the emperor and king has 
done me the honor to announce to me that, as the prin- 
ciples which I profess are incompatible with the safety 
to the Austrian government, he cannot consent to my 
return to his states without his special permission. 
There are certain duties, the fulfilment of which I can- 
not decline ; I have some towards the United States ; I 
have others towards France, — I cannot under any cir- 
cumstances shrink from the performance of those which 
I owe to my country. With this reservation I can 
assure G-eneral the Marquis de Chasteler of my fixed 
determination never to set foot in any state subject to 
his Imperial Majesty the King of Bohemia and Hungary. 

"La Fayette." 

Regarding this brave action of the Marquis de La 
Fayette, who had been languishing for five years in his 
loathsome prison, but who would not purchase liberty at 
the sacrifice of one iota of his avowed rights and princi- 
ples, his daughter Virginie says : — 

" My mother fully appreciated this noble conduct. In 
the midst of her sufferings she would willingly have 
paid with many months of captivity the pleasure caused 
her by my father's declaration in answer to the proposals 
made by the Austrian government. Two months elapsed 
before we received any new communication. At last 
G-eneral Bonaparte and General Clarke, the French pleni- 
potentiaries, required that the prisoners of Olmiitz 
should be- delivered without further delay. 



238 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

" After many difficulties, the order was forwarded to 
open the gates of the citadel to the prisoners of Olmiitz. 
We set off for Hamburg on the 19th of September, 1797. 
Five years and one month had elaj)sed since my father's 
arrest, and twenty-three months since we had joined him. 
At Dresden, Leipsic, Halle, and Hamburg our journey 
was a prolonged triumph. Crowds thronged to see my 
father and his companions." 

Immediately upon his release from prison La Fayette's 
first care was to thank M. de Talleyrand, and to write the 
following letter to General Bonaparte : — 

" Hamburg, Oct. 6, 1797. 

" CiTOYEN Gexeral : The prisoners of Olmiitz, happy 
to owe their deliverance to your irresistible arms, had, 
during their captivity, rejoiced at the thought that their 
liberty and their life were attached to the victories of 
the republic and to your personal glory. It is with the 
utmost satisfaction that they now do homage to their 
liberator. We should have liked, Citoyen General, to have 
offered to you in person the expression of these feelings, 
to have witnessed with our own eyes the scenes of so 
many victories, the army which has won them, and the 
general who has placed our resurrection amongst the 
miracles he has accomplished. But you know that the 
journey to Hamburg has not been left to our choice. 
From the place where we took leave of our jailers we 
address our thanks to their victor. 

"In the solitary retreat on the Danish territory of 
Holstein, where we shall try to recover our health, we 
shall unite our patriotic wishes for the republic with the 
most lively interest in the illustrious general to whom 
we are still more attached on account of the services he 
has rendered to the cause of liberty and to our country 



THE KNWIIT OF LIBERTY. 239 

than for the special obligation we rejoice in owing to 
him, and which the deepest gratitude has forever en- 
graved in our hearts. 

" Salut et respect, 

"La Fayette, 

"La Tour-Maubourg, 

"Bureaux de Pusy." 

Among the letters which greatly gratified La Fayette 
upon his liberation was the following from Madame de 
Stael, addressed to him when it was announced that he 
was to be delivered. 

"June 20, 1797. 

" I hope this letter will reach you. I should like to 
be one of the first to tell you of the feelings of indigna- 
tion, grief, hope, fear, anxiety, discouragement, with which 
your fate has filled, during these last five years, the hearts 
of all those who love you. I do not know whether it is 
possible to make these cruel recollections bearable to you ; 
nevertheless, I may say, that, while calumny was destroy- 
ing every reputation, while faction, unable to triumph 
over the cause, was attacking every individual, your mis- 
fortunes have preserved your glory ; and if your health 
can be restored to you, you come out whole from a tomb 
where your name has acquired fresh lustre. 

" Come directly to France ; there is no other country 
for you. You will find that republic which your opin- 
ions led you to wish for when your conscience bound you 
to royalty. You will find it illustrated by victory and 
free from the crimes which stained its origin. You will 
uphold that republic, because without it no liberty can 
exist in France, and because, as a hero and as a martyr, 
you are so united vfith freedom that I pronounce your 



240 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

name and the name of liberty at the same moment to 
express what I wish for the honor and welfare of France. 
" Come to France ; there you will find devoted friends ; 
and let me hope that my constant care for your w^elfare 
and my useless efforts to serve you may entitle me to a 
small place in your thoughts." 

During La Fayette's long imprisonment many persons 
in England, France, and America interested themselves 
in efforts in his behalf. Of these one of the most inde- 
fatigable was Joseph Masclet, a man of rare merits. 
During the Eeign of Terror he went to England to save 
his life. He was not personally acquainted with La Fay- 
ette, having never even seen him at that time, but he 
warmly sympathized with his principles and admired 
his sterling virtues. He constantly wrote against the 
detention of La Fayette, and published numerous articles 
in the Hamburg journals upon the subject, using the 
nom-de-plume of "Eleutheros," the Greek for freeman. It 
was in vain that the Austrian cabinet took every measure 
to discover " Eleutheros," though several emissaries were 
sent to London to find the unknown person who thus 
dared to brave the anger of the Austrian government. 
Masclet was supported in England in these philanthropic 
efforts in behalf of La Fayette and his companions in 
misfortune. Generals Latour-Maubourg and Bureaux de 
Pusy, who were imprisoned with him in Olmiitz, by 
Fox, Wilberforce, Sheridan, and at their head General 
Fitzpatrick and General Tarleton, who had fought 
against La Fayette in Virginia ; but these now all united 
to plead with the Pitt ministry and the calumniators 
of La Fayette. In December, 1796, General Fitzpatrick 
made that eloquent speech in the English House of 
Commons, in behalf of the prisoners at Olmiitz, which 




MADAME DE STAEL. 
[FROM THE PORTRAIT GALLERY OF EMINENT MEN AND WOMEN,] 



I 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 241 

produced great sensation in Europe, which ended as 
follows : — 

"That an humble address be presented to his Majesty, 
that it appears to this House that the detention of Gen- 
erals La Fayette, Bureaux de Pusy, and Latour-Maubourg, 
in the prison of his Majesty's ally, the emperor of Ger- 
many, is highly injurious to his Imperial Majesty and to 
the common cause of all the allies ; and humbly implore 
his Majesty to intercede in such manner as to his wisdom 
shall seem proper for the deliverance of these unfortu- 
nate persons." 

The friendship between La Fayette and Masclet con- 
tinued strong until the death of the latter. Immediately 
upon La Fayette's release from Olmiitz, he addressed 
the following letter to the faithful " Eleutheros," who 
had been untiring in his efforts in his behalf. 

" WiTMOLD, 9th Brumaire, year 6. 

"How is it possible, my dear friend, that since the 
period of our deliverance you have not yet received the 
homage of my gratitude, and the expression of my sincere 

friendship? M must have explained to you that 

my delay in writing could have proceeded only from the 
hope of enjoying a happiness still greater. I am far 
from renouncing that happiness ; I have need of it more 
than ever, and I demand it from you with the feeling of 
confidence which you have given me a right to express. 
I am not apprehensive of abusing that right, and it is 
gratifying to me to use it. I forbear to speak of my 
obligations towards you, my dear friend; the question 
relates to more than my own liberty and my own life, 
since my wife, my daughters, my two friends, and our 
faithful domestics have been restored along with me. 
How many other obligations to which my heart is inces- 



242 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

santly alive should I not still have to recapitulate, were 
I to endeavor to portray my gratitude ! but it is inex- 
pressible — inexhaustible — like your friendship, and I 
should feel delighted to thank you by pressing you to my 
heart. 

"You have had news of our deliverance, of our jour- 
ney, of our health ; that of my wife in particular is so 
bad that we have been forced to stop in the nearest place 
of safety. To have embarked even for a short voyage 
would have caused great injury to some of our party. 
Travelling by land, after the first eight days, would have 
been uncertain, and my wife would have been unable to 
bear it without undergoing a degree of fatigue that would 
have been dangerous in her exhausted situation. We 
therefore propose to settle for some time in a very iso- 
lated retreat between Kiel and Ploen. That territory is 
subject to the king of Denmark, and his connection with 
the Republic will, I trust, prevent him from molesting 
French citizens whose principles may be displeasing 
to him, but whose only occupation will consist in the 
care of their health, and who, unfortunately, in their 
present position, can serve liberty only by their wishes. 

" You have doubtless been made acquainted with my 
opinion on the events of the l(Sth Fructidor, and I am 
aware that my opinion on that subject is not yours. 
Perhaps mine is influenced by my profound contempt for 
the counter-revolutionists, and by some regret at not 
having gone out at a moment when liberty of opinion 
and a bad tone of society would, it is said, have author- 
ized a republican declaration. But I cannot deceive 
myself as to the nature of the measures that have been 
taken; as to the constitution that has been sworn, and 
which, by the way, is infinitely better than that which 
I was to have defended; as to the personal characters 






THE KNWHT OF LIBERTY. 243 

of several of the proscribed parties ; as to the declaration 
of rights, which, waiving all considerations of an author's 
self-love, shall always form the rule of my opinions and 
conduct; finally, as to the principle, in which I have 
been confirmed by experience, that Liberty can, and ought 
to be, assisted only by means worthy of her. If I deceive 
myself in my disapprobation of some of the present 
measures, the fault is not mine ; I have been enabled to 
form a judgment on them only by means of some apolo- 
gies and public papers ; and in frankly laying before you 
the sentiments of the most republican heart that ever 
existed, I most ardently desire to hear from you tlie 
reasons which have induced so sincere and so enlight- 
ened a patriot as yourself to form a different opinion. 

"Our first act of liberty at Hamburg was an act of 
respect to the representative of the Eepublic, an account 
of which he must have forwarded to the government. 
We have written to Bonaparte in the midst of his tri- 
umphs, and to Clarke in the midst of his reverses, for 
both have considerable claims uj^on our gratitude. But 
as it appears to us that the official tribute ought to be 
addressed to the minister of foreign relations, the first 
organ of the government in taking steps which have 
released us from captivity and death, we have written to 
Talleyrand, as the natural depository of our acknowl- 
edgments, as the individual to whom we owe an account 
of our existence in a foreign country, and as joining to 
his ministerial claims that which he possesses upon our 
personal gratitude. We trust that by these three steps 
taken by us at Hamburg, in Italy, and at Paris, Ave have 
fulfilled all suitable duties and formalities. The pleasure 
of our deliverance is augmented beyond measure by the 
idea that we owe it to the triumphs of the Republic, to 
the kind feelings of our fellow-citizens, and to the zeal 



244 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

of our best friends, among whom you are acquainted 
with one whose abilities are as superior as his heart is 
excellent, one for whom I feel the most affectionate 
regard, whom I ardently long to embrace, to whom I have 
a thousand things to say, and a thousand questions to 
put, and whom I shall cordially cherish till my latest 
breath. 

"La Fayette." 

In 1792 Madame La Fayette had written to Washing- 
ton in behalf of her husband, as follows : " While he 
suffers this inconceivable persecution from the enemies 
without, the faction which reigns within keeps me a 
hostage at one hundred and twenty leagues from the 
capital. Judge, then, at what distance I am from him. 
In this abyss of misery, the idea of owing to the United 
States and to Washington the life and liberty of M. de 
La Fayette kindles a ray of hope in my heart. I hope 
everything from the goodness of the people with whom 
he has set an example of that liberty of which he is now 
made the victim. And shall I dare speak what I hope ? 
I would ask of them, through you, for an envoy, who 
shall go to reclaim him in the name of the republic of 
the United States, wheresoever he may be found, and 
who shall be authorized to make, with the power in 
whose charge he may be placed, all necessary engage- 
ments for his relief, and for taking him to the United 
States, even if he is there to be guarded as a captive. 
I hope my request is not a rash one. Accept the homage 
of the sentiments which have dictated this letter, as well 
as that of attachment and tender respect." 

Trying as it was for Washington to refuse this request 
in his public capacity, as he felt he could not make an 
official demand which might involve his country in em- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 245 

barrassnients ; he did all that he could as a private indi- 
vidual in his friend's behalf, and to the emperor of Ger- 
many he thus wrote : — 

"It will readily occur to your Majesty that occasions 
may sometimes exist, on which official considerations 
would constrain the chief of a nation to be silent and 
passive, in relation even to objects which affect his sensi- 
bility and claim his interposition as a man. Finding 
myself precisely in this situation at present, I take the 
liberty of writing this private letter to your Majesty, 
being persuaded that my motives will also be my apology 
for it. 

" In common with the people of this country, I retain 
a strong and cordial sense of the services rendered to 
them by the Marquis de La Fayette, and my friendship 
for him has been constant and sincere. It is natural, 
therefore, that I should sympathize with him and his 
family in their misfortunes, and endeavor to mitigate 
the calamities which they experience ; among which, his 
present confinement is not the least distressing. 

" I forbear to enlarge upon this delicate subject. Per- 
mit me only to submit to your Majesty's consideration 
whether his long imprisonment and the confiscation of 
his estates, and the indigence and dispersion of his fam- 
ily, and the painful anxieties incident to all these cir- 
cumstances, do not form an assemblage of sufferings 
which recommend him to the mediation of humanity ! 
Allow me, sir, on this occasion to be its organ, and to 
entreat that he may be permitted to come to this country 
on such conditions and under such restrictions as your 
Majesty may think it expedient to prescribe. 

" As it is a maxim with me not to ask what, under 
similar circumstances, I would not grant, your Majesty 
will do me the justice to believe that this request ap- 



246 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
pears to me to correspond to those great principles of 
magnanimity and wisdom which form the basis of sound 
policy and durable glory. 

''May the Almighty and Merciful Sovereign of the 
universe keep your Majesty under his protection and 
guidance." 

To Gouverneur Morris, who had superseded Mr. Mon- 
roe as minister to France, Madame de Stael wrote ur- 
gently in behalf of La Fayette. She says in one of her 
letters to Mr. Morris : — 

"You are travelling through Grermany, and, whether 
on a public mission or not, you have influence, for they 
are not so stupid as not to consult a man like you. Open 
the prison doors of M. de La Fayette. Pay the debt of 
your country. What greater service can any one render 
to his native land than to discharge her obligations of 
gratitude ? Is there any severer calamity than that 
which has befallen La Fayette ? Does any more glar- 
ing injustice attract the attention of Europe ? " 

Mr. Morris not only spared no sacrifice for the mar- 
quis, but aided his suffering family, and was chiefly instru- 
mental in securing the liberation of Madame La Fayette. 
But for five long years Prussia and Austria defended 
their infamous conduct by declaring " that La Fayette's 
freedom was incompatible with the safety of the present 
governments of Europe." 

G-eneral Latour-Maubourg, in a letter written during 
their imprisonment at Olmiitz, thus graphically describes 
their prison life : — 

" Do not suppose that I have made a mistake in lodg- 
ing the domestic from Paris in two chambers which are 
large, handsome, and the best in the enclosure, whilst 
General and Madame La Fayette have but two small 
cells, their daughters but a narrow kennel, with a single 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 247 

wretched bed; and whilst Pusy and myself, in addi- 
tion to the common inconveniences, have those attached 
to the neighborhood of the gnard-house and out-houses, 
the dampness of which is such, that the wall touching 
them is covered with saltpetre. The genius of the 
imperial administration has thought of everything that 
can render our seclusion complete, and harass us in the 
slightest matters. 

" The waters with which we are surrounded furnish, in 
addition to a multitude of flies that are extremely 
troublesome, frequent fogs, which occasion dangerous 
fevers, and to which the town of Olmiitz owes its repu- 
tation for unwholesomeness. 

"Besides, the gutters passing beneath our windows 
always emit an insufferable stench, and exhale a me- 
phitic vapor that is absolutely pestilential. Our prisons, 
without excepting even that of the ladies, are furnished 
with a sorry bed without curtains, two deal tables, two 
chairs, a range of wooden pegs, a wardrobe, and a stove 
which is lighted from the outside. 

"Hitherto, you perceive that we have had none of the 
conveniences promised by the emperor to Madame La 
Fayette. It is probably a great honor to be his Majesty's 
guest, particularly in a prison: but the thing is really 
no laughing matter. The breakfast is of chocolate, or 
coffee with milk, at the prisoner's option, and both are 
execrable, as you may well imagine when you are in- 
formed that they are made by a vivandlh-e, in a small 
kitchen, into which the soldiers from the barracks enter 
at pleasure, and where their whole time is spent in smok- 
ing. It thus happens that everything eaten by us is 
impregnated with a strong savor of tobacco, and we are 
even fortunate when we do not find large pieces of that 
weed in what is given to us. Our dinner is served up in 



248 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

deep earthenware dishes 5 and with regard to cleanliness, 
as everything comes from the kitchen of the same vivan- 
dih^e, whose execrable ragouts, rancid butter, and spices 
I might forgive, were she herself less dirty. To fill up 
the measure of disgust, everything — meat, soup, vegeta- 
bles, fricassees — must be eaten with a pewter spoon, 
without knife or fork, and had we not brought napkins 
along with us, some fragment of which still remain, the 
sleeves of our coats must have served for that purpose. 
Two pint jugs are brought to us full, one of coarse, flat, 
red wine, the other of dirty water, and we must drink out 
of both, because, as it was explained to me, 'the emperor 
chooses it.' You will conceive the disgust inspired by 
these jugs, when I add that when removed from our 
chambers they are placed in the windows of the corridor, 
where they are exposed to insects, dust, tobacco smoke, 
and what is still worse, left for the use of the soldiers, 
who drink out of them and perform their ablutions in 
them. They are cleaned only at stated periods, at the 
beginning and in the middle of each month, with a wisp 
of straw. 

" From these details you will perceive that, as a relief 
from our vexations, which are the more annoying as 
they have not even the semblance of necessity ; and to 
diminish the tedious length of the days, we have no other 
resource than reading. In Silesia we had been allowed 
the use of paper, pen, and ink; but at the mention of 
this our jailers were greatly astonished, and bestowed 
contemptuous epithets on the want of intelligence dis- 
played by the Prussians in tormenting their victims. 
We were deprived even of the letters which we had 
received from our relatives and friends, and were in- 
formed that we were separated from the rest of the 
world, that we must forget our own names, and recollect 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY, 249 

only our numbers, by which only we were to be known, 
and that we should never hear each other spoken of. 

" You ask how we dressed ? Like beggars ; that is to 
say, in rags, since our Avorn-out clothes have not been 
replaced. La Fayette, however, wanted breeches, and I 
have been informed that a tailor was ordered, without 
taking his measure, to make a large pair of trousers for 
him, and a waistcoat of coarse serge, at the same time 
informing him that cloth was too dear for him. I believe 
that the garment alluded to was purposely made in such 
a manner as to prevent him from wearing it, and that 
Madame La Fayette supplied the deficiency by purchas- 
ing cloth on some pretext or other. In the articles of 
shoes and stockings he is strangely provided, for those 
he wears Mademoiselle Anastasie was obliged to make 
with her own fair hands, out of the stuff of an old coat. 
For my own part, I wear a waistcoat and nankeen trousers 
made at Nivelle, nearly five years ago, and you may there- 
fore judge of the state of maturity at which they have 
arrived. Were I to make my appearance in the street, 
any charitable soul would offer me alms. Three months 
ago, however, I was supplied with new shoes ; the old 
ones had been soled thirteen times, and for the new 
ones I was indebted merely to the obstinacy of the cob- 
bler who found it utterly impossible to perform the oper- 
ation for the fourteenth time. Whilst my shoes were 
being made I was obliged to remain in bed." 

Notwithstanding La Fayette's many privations and 
persecutions during his long imprisonment, his moral 
courage remained unimpaired. He had been languishing 
for five years in a state between life and death. He had 
lost all his hair, and had several times been attacked by 
dangerous fevers bred by the dampness and infectious 
air of his dungeon. In the midst of his many misfor- 



250 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

tunes his coolness and presence of mind never for an 
instant deserted him. After his attempt to escape, hav- 
ing been recaptured and brought back to Olmiitz, he was 
at first confined in a large apartment, but was soon 
afterwards commanded by an officer to pass into an 
adjoining room. 

"For what purpose?" asked La Fayette. 

"That your irons may be put on," replied the officer. 

"Your emperor has not given you such an order," 
boldly exclaimed the illustrious prisoner ; " beware of 
doing more than he requires, and of displeasing him by 
exceeding his orders through an ill-timed zeal." 

The officer, impressed with the truth and courage of 
this remark, insisted no further, and La Fayette was thus 
spared from being obliged to endure the humiliating tor- 
ture of being ironed during the remainder of his impris- 
onment. Neither did his great sufferings break his spirit. 
One day the officer on guard, beholding La Fayette at 
his meal, and seeing that he was forced to eat with his 
fingers, asked him if that mode was entirely new to him. 

" Oh no ! " replied La Fayette, with cool irony ; " I 
have seen it employed in America, amongst the Iroquois." 

When La Fayette was first released from his prison at 
Olmiitz, he found that he had come back to a changed 
Avorld. The king, queen, court, Assembly, and constitu- 
tion, all were gone ! The awful Eeign of Terror which 
swept over his country had left many empty places 
among his friends, and the France which met his ardent 
gaze Av^as greatly different from that upon which his 
longing eyes turned as he had been obliged to depart 
from her coasts in haste and with baffled hopes. 

Writing to a friend who had cautioned him against 
freely expressing his opinions, lest he might find him- 
self in further trouble, La Fayette boldly answered : " I 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 251 

risk nothing in speaking as I think, because I woukl not 
and could not be employed by any party except according 
to my own ideas. The result is that, except on some 
very great occasion of serving the liberty of my country 
after my own fashion, my political life is ended. To my 
friends I shall be full of life, and to the public a sort of 
picture in a museum or book in a library. Those who 
know my views and wishes must be convinced that the 
services I should wish to render to my country are of a 
nature to be combined with the mode of living which suits 
my position, my wife, all my family, and myself ; that is 
to say, with a quiet philosopher's establishment on a good 
farm, — far enough from the capital not to be interfered 
with in my solitude, and to see only intimate friends." 

Immediately upon the release of La Fayette, Washing- 
ton addressed to him the following letter from Mount 
Yernon, dated Oct. 8, 1797 : — 

" This letter will be presented to you, I hope, by your 
young son, well worthy of having such parents as your- 
self and your amiable wife. 

" I could say to you much better than I can express it 
here all that I have felt for your sufferings ; concerning 
my efforts for your release, the measures Avhich I adopted, 
although without success, to facilitate your deliverance 
from an unjust and cruel captivity ; and my joy at last 
in beholding its termination. 

" I desire to congratulate you, and be assured that no 
one could offer it with an affection more profound and 
sincere. Each action of your life gives me a right to 
rejoice at the liberty which you have received, and also at 
the restoration of security in your country ; and if the pos- 
session of these blessings cannot entirely compensate for 
the trials which you have endured, they will mitigate, at 
least, the painful remembrance. 



252 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" The conduct of your son since he landed upon Amer- 
ican soil has been most exemplary, from all accounts, and 
has procured for him the affection and the confidence 
of all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. His 
filial affection, his ardent desire to embrace his parents 
and his sisters in the first moment of their deliverance, 
have not permitted him to await here more authentic 
news ; and as nothing has been heard which should influ- 
ence him to suspend this resolution, I have not refused 
my assent to his departure, that he might fly to the arms 
of those who are so dear to him, because, according to 
last accounts, he ought, in truth, to find them in Paris. 

" M. Frestel has been a devoted guardian to George ; 
a father could not have Avatched with greater care over 
his cherished son; and he merits in a high degree all 
that can be said of his virtues, his good judgment, and 
his prudence. Your son and he carry with them the 
wishes and the regrets of our family and of all who 
know them. 

" At all times be assured you have held a high place 
in the affections of this country. I will not tax your 
time to speak to you of that which regards me person- 
ally, except to say to you that I have once again retired 
to my own fireside, where I will remain, forming wishes 
for the i^rosperity of the United States, after having 
labored for years for the establishment of their inde- 
pendence, of their constitution, and of their laws. Those 
wishes will constantly have for their object also the wel- 
fare of all mankind, as long as the little day of my life 
upon the earth shall be continued. I have said adieu to 
public affairs, and I desire to withdraw entirely from 
politics. But M. Frestel and George will rej^ort me 
more fully upon this point. Although they have always 
avoided taking any part in our discussions, they have 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 253 

not been inattentive spectators of that which has passed 
before their eyes. They will give you a general idea of 
our situation, and of those parties who, in my opinion, 
have troubled the peace and tranquillity. 

"If your remembrances or your circumstances shall 
bring you on a visit to America, accompanied by your 
wife and daughters, not one of its inhabitants will re- 
ceive you with more cordiality and tenderness than 
Madame Washington and myself. Our hearts are full 
of affection and admiration for you and them." 

At the time of La Fayette's release from Olmiitz he 
wrote to Masclet the following letter regarding the mili- 
tary career of his son, George Washington La Fayette, 
which is interesting as revealing some of the peculiar 
circumstances which surrounded the family at that time, 
and also La Fayette's impressions regarding the state of 
France : — 

" Talleyrand and you imagine that had George been in 
the army, the Directors, in replying to Brune, would have 
made a formal exception in my favor ; not more so, per- 
haps, than the Convention made in favor of the father of 
Moreau, on the day when the latter took the fort of 
I'Ecluse. But even supposing that the uniform worn by 
all the young aristocrats who seek to connect themselves 
with the Eepublic had produced such an effect upon the 
government, you will observe that my son could not have 
returned in time to follow Bonaparte, unless I had made 
excessive haste to send him ; and when my deliverer was 
apprehensive of compromising himself by replying to my 
letters, when he was himself said to be threatened with 
an act of accusation, it would have been imprudent to 
send to him the son of a man to whose treasons the Di- 
rectory and the President of the Council of Five Hundred 
had recently called public attention. Since that period 



254 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

you have not regretted tlie wars of Switzerland for liim. 
Had lie been attached to Championnet, he would prob- 
ably have been associated in a criminal trial ; had he 
served Avith Joubert, he would have been disgraced, 
and would perhaps have participated in the extreme 
disgust which that general cannot refrain from express- 
ing ; whereas at present he is free and full of ardor, and 
we may examine the question of his entrance into the 
service, which has become much more tempting, to use 
his own expression, since we have undergone reverses. 

" The fact is, that George, who is a republican patriot, 
— and I have met wdth few such in my lifetime, — has, 
besides, a passion for the military profession, for which 
I think him adapted, as he possesses a sound and calm 
judgment, a just perception, a strong local memory, and 
will be equally beloved by his superiors, his comrades, 
and his subordinates. I love him with too much tender- 
ness to make any distinction between his desires and 
mine ; and I am too great an enemy of oppression of 
every description to place restraint on the washes of a 
beloved son nearly twenty years of age. I could joy- 
fully see him covered with honorable scars ; but beyond 
that supposition I have not the courage to contemplate 
existence. 

" Other objections, however, present themselves to my 
mind. I do not call them insurmountable, for I admit 
that the opposite opinion is plausible ; and it is only 
because it appears indisputable to you that I endeavor to 
reduce it to its just value. Let us, in the first place, lay 
aside your comparison with my journey to America, 
whither I j^roceeded to op230se the despotism of a gov- 
ernment which had violated fewer natural and social 
rights, from the foundation of the colonies to the Declara- 
tion of Indexjendence, than the Directory daily violates 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 255 

amongst those avIio have been subjugated to its power. 
We must not be led away by the flattering sounds of 
republic and liberty. Algiers, Venice, and Eome under 
Tiberius, caused the first name to be heard ; and as for 
the second, do you think that the young patricians who 
demanded of Sylla the honor to introduce Roman liberty 
into Asia had more energy than he who said to his gov- 
ernor, ' Why is not this man killed who disposes of the 
life and property of his fellow-citizens ? ' — ' The reason is 
that nobody ventures upon the deed.' — ' Then give me 
a sword, and I will kill him.' That individual, as you 
know, Avas Cato. 

"It is no doubt gratifying to serve an ungrateful 
country either in one's own person or in that of a son ; 
but, in this instance, ingratitude can hardly be said to 
exist, since benevolence reappears with liberty ; it is a 
proscription by the oppressive faction of the country, 
which is at present prolonged by an arbitrary govern- 
ment, till the return of liberty; and for the constant 
enemy of despotism, it is not indispensable to serve the 
despotic pentarchy of France. There are also particular 
inconveniences in my son's case. You know that in 
organized countries — in England, for instance — activity 
of service seems to imply the approbation of the govern- 
ing party ; but without admitting that difficulty, imagine 
George at the table of a leader, drinking, three months 
hence, to the fortunate day of the 10th of August, which 
was the signal for the assassination of our friends, or 
ordering one of my accomplices to be shot ! 

"If, at least, some return to liberal ideas should be- 
come manifest, — if I could perceive t\iQ avant-coureurs 
of a national and legal government, — the inexpressible 
desire which I feel for such a blessing would induce me to 
welcome with avidity the smallest drop of liberty that 



256 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

iniglit fall from lieaveu. I cordially detest the ancient 
powers ; I ardently wish that the new doctrine may be 
established upon a firm basis ; this coalition is composed 
of my implacable enemies. I entertain no personal 
hostility towards the present government ; I have even 
obligations to some of them ; and the persecution which 
I have suffered is too honorable to me for its avowed 
motives to suffer me to be shocked at it. 

'' You know that I love my country, and that its wel- 
fare, in whatever quarter it might originate, would give 
me the highest gratification: consequently no bitter- 
ness can enter into the severity of my objections, which 
I would instantly waive, were liberty, or even the dawn 
of liberty, again perceptible in France ; but I have felt 
desirous of explaining to you, my dear friend, what has 
hitherto prevented me from yielding to the natural ardor 
of my son, and what has struck himself in hearing my 
remarks on the subject. 

"At the same time I admit that the opposite opin- 
ion, even under existing circumstances, has considerable 
weight. France, Avhether free or not, is still our coun- 
try, and there are more germs of liberty in her demo- 
cratic organization than could enter into the counter- 
revolution. Her adversaries are the decided enemies of 
our purest principles, and have taken up arms only to 
accomplish her utter destruction. If it appears unsuit- 
able that, when Europe is divided into two bands, a 
young man of nineteen years of age should be found in 
neither, it is evident that the place of a patriot — of 
my son — can only be under our national standards. 
The late reverses have imparted a more defensive char- 
acter to our wars, and a leader incapable of acts of 
pillage has just been appointed to the army of Italy ; in 
a Avord, if it be permitted, or let us even say, if it be a 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 257 

duty to hesitate, there are many reasons at this moment 
for the adoption of your advice." 

At a hater period La Fayette wrote to the same friend 
to inform him of his son's departure for Italy : — 

"I heartily thank you, my dear Masclet, for your 
congratulations on the wished-for appointment. The 
new-made officer is hastening to the field, and hopes to 
embrace you to-morrow, before his and your departure. 
Sure it is, the standard of the rights of men is not on 
the side against which he is going to fight. May they 
be in France the reward of victory ! 

"With sanguine expectations I am waiting for news 
from Italy. Bonaparte will conquer. Our situation in 
Germany is glorious indeed; a brilliant campaign and 
an honorable peace are, I think, to be depended upon. 
Adieu, my dear Masclet. 

"La Fayette." 



2oS THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

t 



CHAPTER IX. 

La Fayette arrives at Witmold — Keturn of his Son from America 
— Madame La Fayette's Journey to Paris — La Fayette's Letter 
to her — His Letter to the Directory — Madame La Fayette ap- 
peals to Directeur Sieyes — 18th Brumaire — La Fayette returns 
to France — His Letter to Napoleon announcing his Arrival — 
The Premier Consul is Displeased — Madame La Fayette's Visit 
to Napoleon — Virginie describes her Mother's Last Sickness and 
Death — La Fayette's Love for his Wife — His Tender Letters 
narrating Touching Scenes at her Death-Bed. 

" Give me again my hollow tree, 
A crust of bread, and liberty." — Pope. 

T3 EGARDING the few short years remaining in the 
-L \) heroic and unselfish life of Madame La Fayette, her 
daughter Virginie and her husband are her best biog- 
raphers. After their release from Olmiitz Virginie La 
Fayette thus writes : — 

'' At last, on the 10th of October, 1797, we arrived at 
Witmold. From my aunt De Tesse, who owned this prop- 
erty of Witmold, we received the most tender reception. 
Here my mother recovered her strength, and found repose 
of body and mind. My father found his friends. He was 
fond of Madame de Tess6, and had with her on every point 
complete community of opinions. His political life had 
met with her constant approbation, and you may fancy 
what charm five years of silence at Olmiitz added to 
Madame de Tesse's lively, animated, and piquante con- 
versation. 

"Shortly afterwards my brother arrived from Mount 



THE KXIGHT OF LIBERTY. 259 

Vernon. Under General Washington's paternal care he 
had become a man. My mother was happy, and so were 
her children. My sister often met at that time Charles 
de Latour-Maubourg, the yonnger brother of my father's 
friend. Anastasie was captivated by his handsome conn- 
tenance, and the noble feelings he expressed. Their wed- 
ding, celebrated at Madame de Tesse's, was a fresh link 
between two families whose old friendship had been 
sealed by misfortune. 

'•The course of my mother's convalescence was dis- 
turbed by the imperious necessity of returning to France, 
where she was summoned by family business. She alone 
could follow up the affairs of the family, for she alone 
could return to France, as her name was on none of the 
lists of proscription or suspicion.'" 

During this absence of Madame La Fayette her husband 
thus wrote to her from Yianen, near Utrecht. Young 
La Fayette had joined the French army in Holland. It 
was rather a singular fact that while the father, the illus- 
trious upholder of the liberties of his country, was unable 
to enter his native land, his son Avas fighting her battles. 
While not allowed to return to France, the thoughts of 
La Fayette turned yearningly toward America, and he 
thus expressed his desires to his wife in a letter written 
to her at that time : — 

'' Yesterday and to-day George and I have been plan- 
ning a farm for you, either in the beautiful valley of the 
Shenandoah, in the state of Yirginia, not far from Federal 
City and even Mount Vernon, or in the lovely fields of 
New England, within reach of the town of Boston, for 
which you know my fancy. I do not conceal from myself, 
dear Adrienne, the fact that I, who complain of the serfs 
of Holstein as a sad surrounding for a friend of liberty, 
should find negro slaves in the valley of the Shenandoah; 



260 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
for if in the northern states there is equality for all, in 
the southern it exists only for the whites. It is true 
that, with our ideas of Cayenne, we migiit console our- 
selves somewhat. I should, however, prefer New Eng- 
land, and at the same time I feel all the reasons which 
ought to draAV us near Mount Yernon and the seat of 
government. But we only want the first dollar to buy 
our farm with." 

Notwithstanding the painful anxieties wdiich filled his 
mind, consequent upon his own uncertain position, La 
Fayette was ever keenly alive to the interests of others, 
especially of his friends. The following letter w^as writ- 
ten by him during his own exile, to the Directory, in 
behalf of his friends who had been his companions in 
prison : — 

"CiTizEX Directors: Permit a citizen who owes his 
liberation to the government of his country now^ to avail 
himself of that obligation to demand of you an act of jus- 
tice. I am not about to speak of myself ; and though my 
heart and my reason equally remind me of my rights, I 
appreciate the circumstances which keep me still at a dis- 
tance from my country ; but in offering up my prayers 
for her liberty, her glory, and her hapj)iness I purpose to 
speak to you of the few officers who, on an occasion, the 
responsibility of which belongs to me alone, thought them- 
selves obliged to accompany their general and w^ere made 
prisoners by the enemy. Their patriotism, which has been 
tried from the beginning of the Kevolution, has been pre- 
served in all its ardor and purity, and the Eepublic cannot 
have more faithful defenders. 

" Salutation and respect, 

" La Fayette." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 2G1 

While General La Fayette was at Witmokl, just after 
his release, he received the following letter from the illus- 
trious Alexander Hamilton, who, six years after, fell in 
the fatal duel with Aaron Burr : — 

"New York, April 28, 1798. 

" I have been most happy, my dear Marquis, to receive 
at last a letter from you. It confirms that which I had 
already learned of your disposition; that though your 
engagements have not permitted you to follow the for- 
tunes of the French Eepublic, you have never ceased to 
he attached to it. I frankly avow that my sentiments on 
that point differ from yours. The execution of the king 
and the massacres of September have cured all my sym- 
pathy for the French Eevolution. I have never believed 
that one could make France a republic, and I am con- 
vinced that this attempt, so long as it shall be prolonged, 
can only bring misfortune. 

"Amidst the sad results of this revolution, I regret 
extremely the discussions which have arisen between our 
countries, and which seem to menace a complete rupture. 
It will be useless to retrace the causes of the actual state. 
I will only say that the project of alliance with Great 
Britain, of which we have been accused, we have not been 
a party to, although our adversaries have believed it useful 
to their views to report such an opinion in France. 

"I give you this assurance upon the strength of our 
ancient friendship. The future will prove that my asser- 
tion is true. The basis of the politics of the party to 
which I belong is to avoid all intimate or exclusive 
relations with any foreign power. 

"• But, leaving politics, the rest of my letter will be con- 
secrated to assuring you that my friendshi}) for you Avill 
survive all revolutions and all vicissitudes. No one 



262 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

more than myself realizes how much cause our country 
has to love you, to desire your happiness, and to wish to 
contribute thereto. As I feel so sensitively for you, I 
hope that I shall never show it to you in an equivocal 
manner. 

''In the actual state of our relations with France, I 
cannot press you to come here, and until a radical change 
shall operate in France I shall be grieved to learn that 
you have returned there. If a prolongation of this evil 
order of things shall be continued in your country, and 
shall make you wish to seek elsewhere a permanent asy- 
lum, you can be assured of finding in America a reception 
tender and cordial. The only thing in which all our par- 
ties accord is in the affection which they equally feel 
towards yourself." 

The difficulties alluded to by Hamilton between the 
United States and France, which almost resulted in open 
warfare, were caused by false rumors of an alliance be- 
tween Great Britain and the United States, occasioned 
by England's endeavors to draw neutral America into 
hostilities with France, regarding the liberty of com- 
merce. To this letter La Fayette sent the following 
reply: — 

" WiTxMOLU, Aug. 12, 1798. 

"Your letter of the 28th of April caused me much 
happiness, my dear Hamilton. You speak to me with a 
touching friendship of the warm reception which awaits 
me in America, but you cannot, you say, press me to 
hasten my departure under actual circumstances. Truly, 
my dear friend, it is much against my desires that I have 
been forced to defer it for so long a time. Immediately 
upon my deliverance I had wished to embark ; but it was 
impossible for my wife, in the state of her health, to set 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 263 

sail, and I could not resolve to leave her. I have been 
waiting until the moment when she could undertake a 
journey to France, necessary to our affairs. I wait news 
from her. Would that I also might receive that which 
shall give me the hope of a reconciliation between the 
United States and the French government. 

"You know that if my attachment to my native country 
has not been altered, the measures of her governors are 
repugnant in general to my sentiments ; and in spite of 
the obligations which I am under to some of them for 
my deliverance, I cannot be considered as their personal 
friend. You know, also, that the independence, the dig- 
nity, the prosperity of the United States are more dear 
to me than to any one ; my opinion ought, then, to have 
some weight with you. For I believe, be assured, as far 
as I can judge, at this distance where I am, in the best 
intentions which the Directory have in this respect. 

"Under this supposition, my dear friend, at a moment 
when no one power of continental Europe can resist the 
French Hepublic, I believe it conformable to honor and 
to the interests of the United States to come half way 
toward a reconciliation. Never, and much less since 
your declarations, would I be so unjust towards any one 
of my best friends as to suppose that the spirit of party 
prejudices, or private grievances, could, under such grave 
circumstances, influence their conduct. Let America, 
so far as she has been wronged, maintain her dignity and 
her rights ; but if an ancient alliance, which no one could 
pretend to regret or improve, can bring itself to her remem- 
brance, I have confidence that the two parties which divide 
the countries will re-unite to effect a reconciliation. 

" Since you have spoken to me of the difference of our 
opinions upon the European revolution, I would return 
to the time when, following that which I have often 



1>64 THE LIFE ^F LA FAYETTE, 

predicted, I found myself engaged in the struggle ; up to 
August, then, in spite of the offers of a powerful faction, 
I believed it to be my duty to resist or to die in remaining 
always faithful to my constitutional oath. 

"The passionate love of liberty which took me to 
America disposed me naturally to adopt a democratic 
and republican system. Afterwards, moved by all the 
dangers of royalty and of an English aristocracy, I remem- 
bered also the faults of our previous experiences. I con- 
cluded that the science of a social organization had not 
been sufficiently studied, and I desired that it should have 
a universal trial. The first principles, however, appeared 
to me indubitable. The fundamental doctrines of the 
rights of the man and the citizen, reduced to what I 
believed to be necessary and sufficient, were proclaimed 
by me ; and after the national triumph of July 14, 1789, 
a civil militia was instituted, to measure itself against 
the permanent armies of Europe. 

"Very soon after, all ancient abuses, all hereditary 
pretensions disappeared. However, an hereditary presi- 
dent of executive power had been established in the royal 
family, and that decision was so conformed to the will of 
the people, to the opinions of their representatives, and 
to other circumstances, that in the month of June, 1791, 
almost an entire majority of our constitutional assembly, 
heretofore discontented, thought better to replace upon 
the throne a constitutional king, than to complete the 
establishment of a republican government. The extent 
of the English prerogative was judged inadmissible, par- 
ticularly on account of our military situation. If one 
believes that a constitutional monarchy, such as ours, 
might be modified so that it might gradually arrive at 
the adoption of a government entirel}^ elective, such 
an inconvenience would be less grievous than that of 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 265 

usurpations upon the rights of the national sovereignty, 
or upon the liberty of citizens. It was after this manner 
of viewing affairs, that in the midst of popular outrages, 
the intrigues of factions, and the machinations of foreign- 
ers, a constitution was freely discussed and adopted by 
the nation. It had faults, truly, but it contained nothing 
contrary to the rights of men, and it included means, 
lawful and easy, for ameliorations. 

"It is against this constitution that the old govern- 
ments have united ; it is to them, as well as to the Jacob- 
ins, that we must attribute our ruin. Until then, the 
excesses so often unpunished had not been official. When 
anarchy and the assassin had put down the honest patriot, 
the kings had the satisfaction of seeing extinguished all 
desire of imitation in Europe. 

" Their hopes of conquest, however, were disappointed. 
The National Guard, dismissed from the interior, ran to 
the frontiers and fought with an irresistible force for 
national independence. During three years the Eepublic 
had been in France but a name tarnished by an extrava- 
gant and sanguinary tyranny. To these misfortunes 
succeeded the establishment of a constitution which 
was violated on the 18th Fractidor. 

"I do not pretend that France at present enjoys lib- 
erty; but though the first constitution and that of the 
year III., preferable on many accounts (in particular 
by the establishment of two Chambers), cannot be 
considered by me but as secondary objects compared 
to the importance of the fundamental doctrine, I am 
persuaded that liberty can be consolidated in France 
and in other countries, upon the basis of an elective 
government, sooner than upon that of hereditary presi- 
dents. This opinion is not only the result of my re- 
publican inclinations; it comes also from the situation of 



266 THE LIF£ OF LA FAYETTE, 

men and of things. It has been even adopted by many 
unpatriotic monarchists \yho found that the resurrec- 
tion of the French monarchy when it became a question 
of determining the powers of the king, caused more 
trouble than it had advantages. 

"How in this situation have I not recognized with joy 
the American principles of my old friend, that it would 
be impolitic to re-establish an hereditary magistracy, the 
destruction of which had been illegal, but for which I 
had never desired immortality. Wherefore, shall I not 
hope that the elective governments, with differences of 
form and similarity of principle, could be so combined as 
to assure the establishment of a true liberty ? Is it then 
indispensable to be free to have a king ? Will that obli- 
gation necessarily be attached to a vast territory and 
people ? I do not think so. And so far as the experi- 
ment has been tried I have found that it would be better 
to follow the American principles than for us to take the 
English method. 

"But this is talking too much of politics, my dear 
Hamilton. I have not the pretension to believe that, 
upon such a subject, friends who have formed a strong 
opinion can persuade the one or the other. I have 
wished only to show you the motives for my conduct. 

" I thank you very tenderly for the earnest and affec- 
tionate manner in which you have expressed the good 
wishes of America in my favor, and your own feelings. 
I ax3preciate deeply my obligations towards that well- 
beloved country and shall always be ready to give my 
life for her prosperity. I am ha]3py and proud of the 
sentiments which her virtuous and constant citizens have 
preserved, of those of my more intimate companions — 
of yours, particularly, my dear Hamilton. I hope that 
you are assured that our ancient friendship has not suf- 




DIRECTEUR SIEVES. 



.^. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 267 

fered in my heart the least diminution, and that from 
the first instant when our fraternal union was formed, 
until the last moment of my life, I shall be always your 
most devotedly attached friend." 

But we will again let Virginie tell the story of her 
father's return to France. 

" France was far from being in a quiet state. During 
the whole summer the country was greatly agitated. The 
terrorist party was once more gaining alarming strength. 
On different points great advantages had been obtained 
by the troops of the Coalition. An English army had 
disembarked at the Helder. Terrified at all that was 
said in Paris, my mother trembled at the thought of 
seeing fresh barriers arising between my father and 
herself. Owing to the good will of the Batavian gov- 
ernment he was allowed to remain in Holland, notwith- 
standing General Brune's injunctions to the contrary. 
But if my father could not depend on the protection of 
the French armies, what would happen if those of the 
Coalition marched into Holland, bringing with them the 
counter-revolution ? My mother, in her anxiety, resolved 
to go to the Directeur Siey^s, then chief of the party op- 
posed to the Jacobins. She told him of the dangers to 
which my father was exposed, and warned him that if the 
foreign armies were victorious, he would take refuge on 
the French territory. 

" Siey^s answered that it would be imprudent for him 
to return to France, and that he would be safer in the 
states of the king of Prussia. 'Who kept him a pris- 
oner ! ' answered my mother. ' M. de La Fayette would 
prefer, if necessary, a prison in France, but he has more 
confidence in his fellow-countrymen.' 

" All was in this alarming uncertainty when the revo- 



268 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

lution of the IStli Brumaire took place, and changed the 
face of affairs. With that just appreciation of things 
which never forsook her, my mother at once deemed it 
necessary that, without loss of time, and without asking 
anybody's permission, my father should return to France 
at the very moment when justice was proclaimed. She 
wished him to return ere time had brought the slightest 
change, and without any other authorization than the 
liberal intentions then proclaimed by the new govern- 
ment. She obtained a passport for him under an assumed 
name, and M. Alexandre Roinoeuf, one of his former aides- 
de-camp, brought it to him. My mother was accustomed 
to foresee my father's intentions, to judge with marvellous 
tact what it was best for him to do : she would guess his 
wishes. He, on his side, had entire contidence in her 
opinion. Therefore, without any further delay, he started 
immediately and arrived in Paris." 

But La Fayette did not sneak into France like a culprit ; 
he knew his course had been above reproach, and he boldly 
announced his arrival to Napoleon in the following manly 
note : — 

"From the day when the prisoners of Olmiitz owed their 
liberty to you, to this, when the liberty of my country lays 
me under still greater obligations to you, I have thought 
that the continuance of my proscription was not expedi- 
ent for the government or for myself. Accordingly I am 
now in Paris. Before going into the country, where I 
shall meet my family, — before even seeing my friends 
here, — I delay not a moment to address myself to you ; 
not that I doubt that I am in my appropriate place wher- 
ever the Republic is founded upon a worthy basis, but 
because both my duty and my feelings prompt me to bear 
to you in person the expression of my gratitude." 

Bonaparte was taken completely by surprise. The 




NAPOLEON. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 2G9 

"man of the people" had outgeiieralled the "coinpieror 
of Italy." 

Tho\igh lie could not outwardly express his dissatisfac- 
tion, his displeasure was made very evident. Virginie 
La Fayette says : — 

"The Premier Consul received this news with a very 
bad grace. He would have wished my father to remain 
in Holland, and to solicit like everybody else permission 
to enter France. The ministers declared that my father 
must return to Utrecht, there to wait till his name 
should be effaced from the list of emigres. Those of our 
friends who approached the Premier Consul assured us 
that nobody dared for the present say a word to him 
on the subject. My mother went to see him and was 
graciously received. She explained to G-eneral Bonaparte 
my father's peculiar situation, and the effect his return 
would produce on the mind of every honest patriot. The 
general was struck with the nobleness, prudence, and tact 
of her language. 'I am charmed, Madame,' he said, 'to 
make your acquaintance ; vous avez heaucoup d'esj^rit, mais 
vous n' eideyidez pas les affaires.' Nevertheless, it was de- 
cided that my father should remain openly in France 
without asking for any permission, and that he should 
go to the country, there to remain during the legal term 
of his proscription. 

"My sister and her husband arrived from Holland. 
My brother had already joined my father, and we estab- 
lished ourselves first at Fontenay, then at La Grange, one 
of my grandmother's estates which had fallen to my 
mother. 

"One of the objects my father had in view on re-enter- 
ing France was to facilitate the return of his companions 
in exile. Many difficulties were to be conquered. This 
task was entrusted to my mother. She was obliged to go 



270 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

constantly to Paris in order to plead the cause of those 
faithful friends. She succeeded ; there is not one amongst 
them, I believe, Avho does not owe his radiation to her 
personal exertions. 

" The remainder of this precious life was consecrated to 
us. Repose would have best suited my father even under 
Bonaparte's consular magistracy, but under Napoleon's 
imperial despotism honor prescribed retirement. The 
dearest wish of my mother's heart was to lead a private 
life. If, after so many fatigues and sufferings, quiet had 
not been necessary, the possibilit}' of peacefully conse- 
crating herself to the affections which tilled her soul, to 
the one especially which surpassed them all, was the only 
happiness she could desire. She felt too deeply, too pas- 
sionately, I may say, the emotions of family life to wish 
for any other. Neither the grandeur of her former posi- 
tion, nor even the lustre of her misfortunes, had given 
birth in her mind to that restless pride which cannot bear 
to return to a homely life. Though her devoted courage 
had arisen above the greatest trials, still the feelings and 
easy duties of an obscure destiny would have sufficed to 
satisfy her heart. Love filled her whole being. 

" God permitted her to enjoy, during the last years of 
her life, greater happiness than she had ever ventured to 
hope for. My mother's health was greatly impaired, 
but her natural and simple courage acted as a charm to 
deceive us. We beheld her always serene and tender, 
taking the liveliest part in the happiness caused by the 
birth of her three eldest grandchildren. She bore with 
gentle fortitude the anxieties of which my brother and 
my husband were tlie objects during the campaigns of 
1805 and 1806. She heard Avith joy of George's good 
fortune when he saved his general's life at the battle of 
Eylau. The peace which followed brought on for her a 



.m 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 271 

period of uniningied happiness. At the end of the spring of 
1807, it seemed that God had accomplished all my mother's 
desires in this world. A few days after the return of my 
brother and of my husband, in August, my mother was 
taken with violent pains and strong fever. On the 11th 
of October she heard mass for the last time in the chapel 
of La Grange. The disorder attacked her brain in a most 
fearful manner. My mother's delirium was joeculiar and 
entirely in keeping with her character; she was com- 
pletely absorbed by her affection for those she loved; in 
her wanderings she would mistake herself on our situa- 
tions, never on our characters : she knew us to the last. 
One day she called my sister to her and said : ' Have you 
an idea of Avhat maternal feeling is ? Are you like me ? 
Do you knoAv all its joys ? Is there anything sweeter, 
deeper, stronger ? Do you feel, like me, the want of lov- 
ing and of being loved ? ' 

"Her love for God and for my father occupied almost 
exclusively her last moments. What she was for my 
father in the midst of this delirium is not to be con- 
ceived. The effect his presence produced on her, the 
choice of the words she used to express her love, with 
more confidence than she had ever shown before; how, 
with complete incoherence in her ideas, she followed up 
interests which, though imaginary, were in keeping with 
her character and her opinions ; the charm with which she 
spoke to him of God and of religion, — all this cannot be 
expressed by words, and such a delirium could only be 
hers. ' God owed her the reward,' M. de Grammont said 
to my father, ' of permitting her thus to reveal to you the 
depth of her tenderness.' 

"In the midst of this delirium she repeated three times 
over Tobit's prayer, the same she had recited on seeing 
the towers of Olmiitz. We lost her on Christmas night, 



272 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, . 1 

at twelve o'clock, in the year 1807. It was at the foot 
of our Saviour's cradle that our sacrifice was accomplished. 
In the morning she had bestowed her blessing on each of 
us. Her last words were, 'I do not suffer.' She also 
said to us, 'May the peace of the Lord be with you.' 
And to my father, ' I am entirely yours ' (Je suis touts 
d vous)J' 

M. Jules Cloquet says in his recollections of La Fay- 
ette : — 

" La Fayette had a high regard for the domestic virtues, 
which he considered the basis of society and the only cer- 
tain and pure source of public prosperity. He even Avished 
to introduce them into politics ; and his public life was 
in this respect a picture of his private life. He always 
spoke Avith respect and tenderness of both his parents, 
Avhom he lost almost in his infancy. In his children he 
cherished the memory of their mother (Mademoiselle de 
Noailles), whom he had loved most tenderly, and whose 
name he never mentioned but with visible emotion. One 
day during his last illness I surprised him kissing her 
portrait, which he always wore suspended to his neck, in 
a small gold medallion. Around the portrait were the 
words, 'Je suis d, vous,' and on the back was engraved this 
short and touching inscription, 'Je vous fas done une douce 
campayne: eh hien! henissez moi^ (I was then a gentle 
companion to you! So then give me your blessing!). 

" I have since been informed that regularly every morn- 
ing La Fayette sent out his valet Bastien, shut himself 
up in his room, and taking the portrait in both hands, 
looked at it earnestly, pressed it to his lips, and re- 
mained silently contemplating it for about a quarter of 
an hour. Nothing was more disagreeable to him than 
to be disturbed during this daily homage to the memory 
of his virtuous partner." His grief for her loss may be 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 273 

judged of from the two following letters written by 
him at the time of this overwhelming affliction: — 

"I was certain, my dear Masclet, that you would ten- 
derly regret the adorable woman whom you were pleased 
to celebrate before you were personally acquainted with 
her, and to cherish from the period when she was herself 
able to express to you her grateful friendship. It would 
be ungrateful in me to entertain a doubt of your partici- 
pation in my grief; but although such a doubt was far 
from my thoughts, I have derived a melancholy gratifica- 
tion from the renewed assurance of your feelings, and for 
that assurance I thank you most cordially. I willingly 
admit that under great misfortunes I have felt myself 
superior to the situation in which my friends had the 
kindness to sympathize, but at present I have neither the 
power nor the wish to struggle against the calamity which 
has befallen me, or rather to surmount the deep affliction 
which I shall carry with me to the grave. It will be min- 
gled with the sweetest recollections of the thirty-four 
years during which I was bound by the tenderest ties 
that perhaps ever existed, and with the thought of her 
last moments, in which she heaped upon me such proofs 
of her incomparable affection. I cannot describe the hap- 
piness which in the midst of so many vicissitudes and 
troubles I have constantly derived from the tender, noble, 
and generous feeling ever associated with the interests 
which gave animation to my existence. Assure Madame 
Masclet of my attachment and gratitude. You know my 
friendship for you, my dear Masclet, and that I am yours 
most cordially, La Fayette." 

Letter from M. de La Fayette to M. de Latour-Maubourg, 
on the death of Madame de La Fayette : — 



274 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

"January, 1808. 
"I have not yet written to you, my dear friend, from 
the depth of misery in which I am plunged. You have 
already heard of the angelic end of that incomparable 
woman. I feel I must again speak of it to you. My 
grieved heart loves to open itself to the most constant, 
the dearest confidant of all its thoughts. As yet you 
have always found me stronger than circumstance, but 
now this event is stronger than me. Xever shall I 
recover from it. 

"During the thirty-four years of an union in which her 
tenderness, her goodness, the elevation of her mind, 
charmed, adorned, honored my life, I felt myself so 
used to all that she was to me, that I could not distin- 
guish it from my own existence. She was fourteen, and 
I was sixteen, when her heart occupied itself with every- 
thing that could interest me. I knew I loved her, I knew 
I needed her ; but it is only now that I can distinguish 
what is left of me for the remainder of a life which I had 
thought was to have been entirely devoted to worldly 
matters. 

" The foreboding of her loss had before never crossed 
my mind until I received a note from Madame de Tesse 
as I was leaving Chavaniac with George. I was struck 
to the heart. On arriving in Paris after a rapid journey, 
we found her very ill; there was a slight improvement 
the next day, which I attributed to the pleasure of see- 
ing us •, but soon afterwards her head was affected. She 
said to Madame de Simiane, 'I was going to have a 
malignant fever, but I shall be Avell attended to, and shall 
get the better of it.' 

" It was not a malignant fever ; but unhappily it was 
something still worse. One day only C'orvisart had great 
hopes. Our dear invalid was already beginning to wander 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 275 

when her confessor came to see her. In the evening she 
tokl me: 'If I go to another dwelling, you know how 
much I shall think of you there. Although I shall 
leave you with reluctance, the sacrifice of my life would 
be little if it could insure your eternal happiness.' 

"The day she received the sacrament she was anxious 
to see me near her. Delirium came on afterwards ; you 
never saw anything so extraordinary and so touching. 
Imagine, my dear friend, a mind completely disordered, 
thinking itself in Egypt, in Syria, amongst the events of 
the reign of Athalie, which Celestine's lessons had left in 
her imagination, strangely blending every idea that was 
not from the heart; in short, the most constant delirium, 
and withal that kindness which always seeks for some- 
thing pleasing to say. There was also a refinement in 
the way she expressed herself, a loftiness of thought 
which astonished every one. But what was admirable 
above all was that tenderness of heart which she was 
incessantly showing to her six children, to her sister, to 
her aunt, to M. de Tesse : she thought she was with them 
at Memphis ; for, by a miracle of feeling, her mind was 
never invariably fixed but where I was concerned. It 
seemed as if that impression was too deep to be obliter- 
ated, was stronger than sickness, stronger than death 
itself. Life had already fled; feeling, warmth, exist- 
ence, all had taken refuge in the hand which pressed 
mine. Perhaps she did even yield to her affection and 
her tenderness more completely than if she had had the 
full possession of her faculties. 

"Do not imagine that the dear angel was alarmed at 
the thought of a future world. Her religion was all love 
and confidence; the fear of hell never came near her 
mind. She did not believe in it for beings good, sincere, 
and virtuous, whatever their opinions might be. 'I do 



276 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

not know what will happen at the moment of their death,' 
she would say ; ' but God will enlighten them.' 

"However, had her mind been clear, she would have 
thought of what she called her peches, though she did not 
believe in any other divine punishment than that of being 
deprived of the sight of the Supreme Being. 

"And how often have you heard me joking her about 
her aimables heresies. Who knows whether the fear of 
increasing my regret would not have partly restrained 
the outpouring of her feelings, in the same manner as 
when, during our married life, her utter unselfishness 
prevented her from yielding to what was most impas- 
sioned in her nature? 'There was a period,' she said a 
few months ago, 'when, after one of your returns from 
America, I felt myself so forcibly attracted to you that I 
thought I should faint every time you came into the 
room. I was possessed with the fear of annoying you, 
and tried to moderate my feelings. You can scarcely be 
dissatisfied with what remains.' 

" ' What gratitude I owe to Gi-od,' she would repeat dur- 
ing her illness, 'that such passionate feelings should have 
been a duty. How happy I have been ! ' she said the 
day of her death. ' What a lot to be your wife ! ' And 
when I spoke to her of my tenderness, she answered in a 
touching tone : ' Is it true ? Is it indeed true ? How good 
you are ! Eepeat it again ; it does me so much good to 
hear you. If you do not find yourself sufiiciently loved, 
lay the fault upon God ; He has not given me more facul- 
ties than that I love you,' she said, in the midst of her 
delirium, ' Christianly, humanly, passionately.' 

"When she was pitied for her sufferings, the fear of 
exaggerating them to herself and to others would come 
upon her. One day as I was watching her with a look of 
pity, 'Oh! I am overpaid,' she said, 'by that kind look.' 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 277 

" She often begged of me to remain in the room, because 
my presence calmed her. Sometimes, however, she would 
ask me to go and attend to my business ; and when I 
answered that I had nothing else to do than to take care 
of her, ' How good you are,' she would exclaim with her 
feeble though penetrante voice; 'you are too kind; you 
spoil me ; I do not deserve all that ; I am too happy ! ' 

"Her delirium was intense. It bore principally on the 
reign of Athalie, on the family of Jacob, in which she 
liked to persuade herself that I was tenderly beloved, on 
the contentions of Israel and Judah. 'Would it not be 
strange,' she said, 'if, being your wife, I were obliged to 
sacrifice myself for a king ? ' 

" She was in fear of troubles, of proscriptions, and pre- 
pared herself to meet them with the fortitude which char- 
acterized her in real dangers. She thought there was to 
be a persecution against Christians, and reckoned upon 
me to protect the oppressed. ' It appears to me,' she said, 
'that the world is beginning over again; nothing but 
fresh experiments. Why are not all things going on 
according to your wishes ? ' All these thoughts were 
confused in her head; she believed we were in Egypt 
and Syria. 

"We thought once her ravings had ceased. 'Am I 
not mad?' she exclaimed. 'Come nearer; tell me if I 
have lost my reason.' I answered that I should be very 
sorry to take for absurdities all the kind things she had 
said to me. ' Have I said anything kind ? But I have 
also said many silly things ; have we not acted the tragedy 
of Athalie? What! I am married to the sincerest of 
men, and I cannot know the truth. It is still your kind- 
ness; you want to spare my head. Do speak; I am 
resigned to the disgrace of being mad.' 

" We succeeded at length in calming her. I told her 



278 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
she was valued and loved. 'Ah!" she answered, 'I do 
not care to be valued, so long as I am loved.' Another 
time she said : ' Fancy what a state my poor head is in ; 
what an odd thing it is that I cannot remember whether 
Virginie and M. de Lasteyrie are betrothed or united. 
Help me to collect my thoughts.' 

" Sometimes we could hear her praying in her bed. She 
made her daughters read prayers to her. There was 
something heavenly in the manner she twice repeated 
Tobit's prayers applicable to her state, the same she had 
recited to her daughters on seeing the steeples of Olmiitz 
for the first time. 

" I approached her. ^ It is from the book of Tobit,' she 
said: 'I sing badly; that is why I recite it.' Another 
time she composed a most beautiful prayer which lasted 
full an hour. 

" One day I was speaking to her of her angelic gentle- 
ness. ' Yes,' she said ; ' God has made me gentle ; though 
my gentleness is not like yours ; I have not such high 
pretensions. You are so strong as well as so gentle, and 
you are very good to me.' 

"'It is you who are good,' I answered, 'and generous 
above alL Do you remember my first dex)arture for 
America? Everybody against me, and you hiding your 
tears at M, do Segur's marriage. You tried not to appear 
in grief, for fear of bringing down more blame upon me.' 
' True,' she said, ' it was rather nice for a child. But how 
kind of yon to remember so far back ! ' 

"Bhc cpoke very sensibly of her daughters' happi- 
ness, of the good and noble character of her sons-in-law. 
'Nevertheless, I have not been able to make them as 
happy as I am. It Avould have required all God's power 
to have brought about that again.' 

" It is not to boast, my dear friend, that I tell you all 



J 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 279 

this, although one might well be proud of it, but I find 
comfort in repeating to you and to myself how tender 
and how happy she was. 

" How happy she would have been this winter — all her 
children near her, the war finished for George and Louis, 
the birth of Virginie's child, and, I may add, after an 
illness which, owing to our past fears, would have made 
her doubly dear to us. Had she not to the last, the kind- 
ness of thinking of my amusements at La Grange, of my 
farm, of all that was of daily interest to me ! When I 
spoke to her of returning home : ' Ah ! ' she said, ' that 
would be too delicious. My God, my God ! ' she exclaimed, 
' six more poor years of La Graiige ! ' She wanted to return 
there with me, and begged of me to start before her. I 
entreated her to allow me to stay, and asked her to rest 
a little. She promised to do her best ; and as she became 
calmer, 'Well,' she said, 'remain, wait a little; I shall 
go quietly to sleep.' 

" The disordered state of her brain did not prevent her 
having misgivings as to her approaching end. The night 
which preceded the last I heard her saying to her nurse, 
' Do Hot leave me ; tell me when I am to die.' At my 
approach her fears subsided; but when I spoke to her 
of recovery, of returning to La Grange : ' Oh no ! I am 
going to die. Have you any cause of complaint against 



me 



?' 



" ' For what, my dear ? you have always been so good 
and so loving ! ' 

" ' Have I, then, been a gentle companion to you ? ' 

" ' Yes ; assuredly.' 

"'Well, then, give me your blessing.' 

" On all these last evenings, when she thought I was 
going to leave her, she would ask for my blessing. 

" I spoke to her of the happiness of our union ; of my 



280 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

tenderness. She took pleasure in hearing me repeat the 
assurance of my love. 'Promise me,' she said, 'to pre- 
serve that affection forever. Promise me.' 

"You may well believe that I promised. 

" ' Are you satisfied with your children ? ' she added. 

" I told her how completely they satisfied me. 

" ' They are very good,' she said ; ' support them with 
all your love for me.' 

" Then delirium coming on again, ' How do you think 
they feel with respect to the house of Jacob ? ' 

" I assured her that they entered into all her feelings. 

" ' Ah ! ' she replied, ' my feelings are very moderate, 
except those I have for you.' 

" Twice only her excitement became intense. It was 
then the wanderings of maternal love. One day George, 
to prevent her speaking too much, had for several hours 
kept away from her room. When he came in again, she 
evidently thought he had just returned from the army. 
The wildness of her joy on seeing him made her heart 
beat in a fearful manner. Another time she fell into an 
ecstasy of joy at the thought of an anniversary dear to 
our hearts — of the day when, twenty-eight years before, 
she had given me G-eorge. That anniversary was the 
day of her death. 

" One cannot admire sufficiently the meekness, the pa- 
tience, the unchanging kindness of that angelic woman 
during this long and cruel malady. In her delirium, 
which lasted a whole month, she was always thinking of 
us and fearing to weary her friends. ' I am very trouble- 
some,' she would often say; 'my children,' she one day 
added, ' must make up their mind to have a silly mother 
since you are willing to have such a silly wife." But 
never the slightest sign of impatience nor of ill humor. 
Even when it was most repugnant to her to drink any 



{ 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 281 

tiling, a word from me or from lier children, or, in our 
absence, the idea that the nurse might be blamed, sufficed 
to decide her; and up to the last, each service was ac- 
knowledged by a kind word, a motion of the head or 
of the hand. 

"'Never,' the doctor said, 'have I seen in the course 
of a long practice anything to be compared to that ador- 
able disposition and to delirium so extraordinary. No, 
never have I seen anything which could give me the 
idea that human perfection could go so far.' 

^'A few moments before she breathed her last she 
murmured to us that she was not suffering. ' Ko doubt 
she does not suffer,' exclaimed the nurse ; ' she is an 
angel.' 

" It was very remarkable to what a degree her wander- 
ings corresponded with the different shades of her affec- 
tion. When I was concerned, her judgment was always 
sound. Though placing us all in the most fantastic situ- 
ations, her mind was never at fault with respect to my 
principles and feelings. She would exclaim, ' Decide ; 
you are leader ; it is our happy lot to obey you.' One 
day I was attempting to calm her ; she gayly repeated 
this verse : — 

" ' A vos sages conseils, Seigneur, je m'abandonne.' 

" With respect to our children, — I speak of all six, — 
whom she always recognized and welcomed, whom she 
always spoke to in the kindest and most loving manner, 
and Avhose various characters and dispositions ever re- 
mained clearly present to her mind, there was still some- 
thing less lucid in her thoughts than with regard to me. 
As for her grandchildren, she spoke of them several 
times to me with charming details ; but more frequently 
her ideas were confused with respect to their number. 



282 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

their sex, and even to the existence of the two last. She 
was most affectionate throughout to her sister, Madame 
de Montagu ; she frequently inquired from us both how 
my mother was, fancying we had seen her lately. We 
shuddered on hearing her calmly say on the morning of 
her death, ' To-day I shall see my mother.' 

"The last day she told me, 'When you see Madame 
de Simiane, give her my love.' Thus her heart was all 
life when her poor limbs were already numbed by ap- 
proaching death. 

" I have already told you without any particulars that 
she had received the sacraments. I was present during 
the ceremony, which was more painful to us than to her- 
self, for she had already taken the sacrament in her bed 
a short time previously. 

"The next day, before she became quite speechless, 
Madame de Montagu and my daughters, fearing that my 
presence might prevent her from praying at her ease, 
asked me to leave them. My first impulse was to refuse 
their request, however tenderly and timidly made ; I had 
a passionate desire to occupy her thoughts exclusively. 
However, I repressed my feelings, and gave up my place 
to her sister. I was scarcely gone when she called me 
back. So soon as I got nearer, she again took my hand 
in hers, saying, ' Je suis toute ft vous.^ These Avere her 
last words. 

"It has been said that she had often lectured me. 
That was not her way ; she frequently expressed, in the 
course of her delirium, the idea that she would go to 
heaven. She told me several times, ' This life is short and 
full of troubles ; let us unite in God and depart together 
for eternity.' She wished us all, and me in particular, 
the peace of the Lord. Such is the manner in which 
that dear angel expressed herself during her illness, as 



THE KNWUT OF LIBERTY. 2^3 

well as in the will she had made a few years ago, and 
which is a model of refinement, of elevation of mind, 
and of eloquence from the heart. 

"It seems as if, by dwelling on these details, I was 
trying to defer that last period, when, on seeing the 
doctor giving up all hopes of her recovery, and only 
thinking of prolonging life, we felt that for her there 
was to be no to-morrow. Until then we had only ap- 
peared before her two or three at a time ; but that day, 
as she seemed to be seeking for us, we saw no harm in 
admitting all the members of the family, who seated 
themselves in a semi-circle before her, so that she could 
see every one. ' What a pleasant sight ! ' she said, while 
looking on us Avith complacency. 

"She called for her daughters in turn, and had a 
charming word for each of them. She gave them each 
her blessing. I feel confident that she was happy during 
that morning. And how could the last moments be 
otherwise than calm for her whose piety, far from being- 
troubled by terrors and scruples, never ceased to be all 
the time of her illness, before and during her delirium, 
all love and gratitude for the blessings, to use her own 
words, which God had bestowed and Avas still bestowing 
on her? for her who, notwithstanding the state of her 
brain, never lost a single joy which a heart such as hers 
could feel? Her delirium even became less confused. 
Instead of asking Madame de Montagu how my mother 
was, she told her, ' I look upon you as having succeeded 
to her.' 

" No doubt she felt that the last moment was approach- 
ing, when, after having told me in so touching a manner : 
' Have you been happy with me ? Are you kind enough 
to love me ? Well, then, give me your blessing,' and 
when I answered : ' You love me also, you will give me 



284 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

your blessing " ; she gave me hers for the lirst and last time 
in a solemn and loving manner. Then her six children, 
each in turn, kissed her hand and face. She looked at 
them with inexpressible tenderness. 

" Still more surely had she the idea of her approaching 
end, when, fearing a convulsion, as I believe, she made me 
a sign to step back ; and, as I remained near her, she laid 
my hand on her eyes with a look of tender gratitude, 
thus giving me to understand what was the last duty she 
expected from me. 

" We felt during these hours of gentle agony a struggle 
between the want of expressing our love, which she en- 
joyed so much, and the belief that these emotions wore 
out the little that was left in her of life. I kept in my 
words with nearly as much care as I repressed my sobs, 
when the touching expression of her eyes, a few scarcely 
uttered words, tore from my lips the expression of the 
feelings with which my heart was bursting. She re- 
vived, and found strength to exclaim : ' Is it then true 
you have loved me ? How happy I am ! Kiss me.' She 
raised her poor arms, which were almost lifeless, with 
wonderful animation. She passed one round my neck, 
and drawing my head towards hers, she pressed me to 
her heart, repeating : ' What a blessing ! how happy I 
am to be yours ! ' Until her right hand became motion- 
less, she carried mine successively to her lips and to her 
heart. My left hand did not leave hers, and as long as 
she breathed, I could feel that pressure, which seemed 
still to mean, ^ Je suis toute cl vonsJ 

"We all surrounded her bed, which had been drawn 
into the middle of the room. She motioned to her sister 
to sit down by her. Her three daughters were continu- 
ally applying hot towels to her hands and arms to 
preserve the last remnant of VNarmth. We knelt down. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 1>85 

following the slow motion of her breath. There was no 
appearance of pain, the benevolent smile was playing 
upon her lips, my hand was still within hers ; and thus 
this angel of goodness and love breathed her last. We 
bathed with tears the lifeless remains of that adorable 
being. I felt myself dragged away by M. de Mun and 
M. de Tracy, and so bade my last farcAvell to her, and 
to all happiness on earth. . . . 

" On Monday that angelic woman was borne to the 
spot near which repose her grandmother, her mother, 
and her sister, amongst sixteen hundred other vic- 
tims. . . . 

" We found in her writing-book a letter to me written 
in 1785, several injunctions made in 1792, and an official 
will of 1804. This memorandum, which was only a 
rough copy, was nevertheless a masterpiece of tender- 
ness, of refinement, and of heart-felt eloquence. It 
speaks of religion with simple and touching sublimity. 

" I love, my dear friend, to confide to your bosom all 
these recollections of the past ; for what else now re- 
mains, save recollections, of that adorable woman to 
whom I have owed during thirty-four years an ever- 
enduring and unclouded happiness ? She was attached 
to me, I may say, by the most ardent feelings ; yet never 
did I perceive in her the slightest shade of selfishness, 
of displeasure, or of jealousy. If I look back to the 
days of our youth, how many unexampled proofs of del- 
icacy and generosity come across my mind ! She was 
associated heart and soul with all my political wishes 
and opinions, and Madame de Tesse might well say that 
her devotion was a mixture of the catechism and the 
declaration des droits. I must again refer to an expres- 
sion of her aunt's, who said to me yesterday, ' I never 
could have believed that it was possible to be so fanatic 



286 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
of your opinions, and at the same time so devoid of party 
spirit.' 

" You know as well as I do all she was, and all she did 
during the Revolution. It is not for having come to 
Olmiitz, as Charles Fox so elegantly expressed it, on 
the wings of duty and of love, that I mean to praise 
her now ; it is for having remained in France until she 
had secured, so far as lay in her power, the material 
comforts of my aunt and the rights of my creditors ; it 
is for having had the courage to send George to America. 
What noble imprudence to remain, the only woman in 
France endangered by the name she i>ore, but who always 
refused to change it ! 

"Each of her petitions and declarations began by these 
words : La femme La Fayette. Indulgent as she was 
with respect to calumny and party hatred, never did she 
allow, even at the foot of the scaffold, a reflection upon 
me to pass without protesting against it. She had pre- 
pared herself to speak in that spirit before the tribunal, 
and we have all seen how good, simple, and easy in com- 
mon life was that lofty-minded and courageous woman. 
Her piety was also of a peculiar nature. I may say 
that during thirty-four years I never once experienced 
from it the slightest shadow of inconvenience. No affec- 
tation in her religious practices, which were always sub- 
ordinate to my convenience. I have had the satisfaction 
of seeing the least pious of my friends as well received, as 
much esteemed, and their virtues as fully acknowledged 
by her as if there had been no difference of religious 
opinions between her and them. Never did she express 
to me anything but hope, even conviction, that upon 
mature reflection, with the uprightness of heart she 
knew I possessed, I should end by being convinced. 
The recommendations which she has left me are in the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 287 

same spirit, entreating me to read, for the love of her, 
several books which I shall examine again with the most 
solemn attention. She used to call religion sovereign 
liberty, to make me appreciate it more, and often re- 
peated with pleasure these words of Abb6 Fauchet : 
'Jesus Christ, my only master' (Jesus Christ, mon seul 
maitre). 

"This letter would never come to an end, my dear 
friend, if I gave way to the feelings which inspire it. I 
shall only add that that angelic woman has, at least, been 
surrounded with love and regret well worthy of her. . . . 

" Adieu, my dear friend ; with your help I have borne 
sorrows great and hard to endure, to which the name of 
misfortune might have been given until the greatest of 
all misfortunes had been experienced. But, though ab- 
sorbed in the deepest grief, though given up to one 
thought, one devotion not of this world, though still 
more than ever I feel the want to believe that all does not 
die with us, I still appreciate the pleasures of friendship 
— and what a friendship is yours, my dear Maubourg ! 

" I embrace you in her name, in my own, in the name 
of all you have been to me since we have known each 
other. 

" Adieu, my dear friend, 

"La Fayette." 



288 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



CHAPTER X. 

La Fayette presented to the Premier Consul — His Interview with 
Napoleon — La Fayette declines the Office of Senator, and the 
Post of Ambassador to the United States — La Fayette meets 
Lord Cornwallis — Literview with Napoleon — La Fayette's Fear- 
less Loyalty to his Principles — La Fayette and Joseph Bona- 
parte — La Fayette refuses to vote for the Decree declaring 
Napoleon First Consul for Life — His Letter to Napoleon, 
explaining his Reasons — La Fayette's Comments upon his 
Opposition to Bonaparte — Klopstock's Dying Message to the 
Marquis — Madame de Stael's Letter from Rome — La Fayette's 
Meeting with Charles Fox — La Fayette in Jury — President 
Jefferson offers to him the Governorship of Louisiana — La 
Fayette declines — The Emperor Napoleon's Remarks regarding 
La Fayette — Joseph Bonaparte offers to the Marquis a Seat in 
the House of Peers — La Fayette declines — Prince Joseph 
offers the Grand Cordon — La Fayette courteously declines the 
Honor — He is chosen a Member of the Chamber of Deputies — 
La Fayette appointed by the Assembly to meet the Allied Gen- 
erals, after the Overthrow at Waterloo — Lord Stewart's Igno- 
minious Proposal — La Fayette's Indignant Reply — Louis 
XVIII. again on the Throne — La Fayette retires to La Grange 
— Descriptions of his Home Life — His Charming Chateau — 
His Prosperous Farm — His Model Family — La Fayette again 
chosen a Member of the Chamber of Deputies — The Charge of 
Treason — La Fayette's Fearless Declaration — His Speech in 
the Chamber — Upon Governmental Expenses — Public Instruc- 
tion — Examination of the Ancient Re'gime — La Fayette refuses 
to claim the Title of Marquis since the Decree abolishing Orders 
of Nobility. 

" This is true Liberty : wlien f reeborn men, 
Having to advise the public, may speak free ; 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. li.SlJ 

Which he who can and will deserves liigh praise ; 

Who neither can nor will may hold his peace. 

What can be juster in a state than this ? " — Milton. 

THE account of the death of Madame La Fayette, 
which occurred in 1807, has taken us a few years 
beyond the time we had reached in the history of 
La Fayette's political career, and we return to the 
period of his return to France after his long im- 
prisonment. Shortly after this, La Fayette received 
the painful intelligence of the death of General Wash- 
ington. He had fondly cherished the hope of again 
visiting his adored friend at Mt. Vernon, and per- 
haps taking his wife and family to behold his illus- 
trious American general. The marquis immediately 
wrote a letter of condolence and sympathy to the 
family of Washington, and received from them a pair 
of pistols which General Washington had left to La 
Fayette in his will. 

In 1800 La Fayette and Maubourg were presented to 
the First Consul at the Tuileries. Napoleon received 
them with great politeness, and amidst their expressions 
of personal gratitude to Bonaparte, they added many 
compliments regarding his Italian campaign. Napoleon 
sometimes discussed with La Fayette American matters 
and affairs in Europe. 

Napoleon, speaking to La Fayette of his campaigns in 
America, once remarked, "The highest interests of the 
whole world were there decided by the skirmishes of 
patrols." 

One day Bonaparte said to him, " You must have 
found the French much cooled on the subject of liberty ? " 

" Yes," replied La Fayette ; " but they are in a state to 
receive it," 



290 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 






" They are disgusted,'' answered the First Consul. 
''Your Parisians — for instance, the shop-keepers — oh, 
they want no more of it ! " 

" I did not use the expression lightly, General," said 
La Fayette ; "I am not ignorant of the effect of the 
follies and crimes which have defiled the name of lib- 
erty ; but the French are perhaps more than ever in a 
state to receive it. It is for you to give it ; from you 
they await it." 

Napoleon proffered to La Fayette the office of senator, 
but it was declined. The post of ambassador to the 
United States was then offered him, but as he felt him- 
self almost a citizen of America, he was not willing to 
go there in such capacity as should force him to watch 
her with a jealous eye in order to uphold the rights of 
his own country. 

Concerning this offer La Fayette wrote to Masclet : 
" I shall not go to America, my dear Masclet, at least 
not in a diplomatic capacity. I am far from abandoning 
the idea of making private and patriotic visits to the 
United States, and to my fellow-citizens of the New 
World, but at present I am much more intent upon 
farming than upon embassies. It seems to me that were 
I to arrive in America in any other costume than an 
American uniform, I should be as embarrassed Avith my 
appearance as a savage in breeches." 

In 1802 La Fayette met at a dinner party Lord Corn- 
wallis, the newly appointed British minister to France. 
During their conversation Cornwallis asked La Fayette's 
opinion regarding Napoleon's administration, as to 
whether it was consistent with his ideas of liberty. La 
Fayette boldly replied that it was not. Spies were not 
long in carrying this daring answer to Bonaparte. 
Napoleon Avas displeased; and Avhen next he met La 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 291 

Fayette, he said, " Lord Cornwallis claims that you 
are not yet corrected." 

"Of what?" asked La Fayette— "of my love of 
liberty ? What should disgust me with that ? The 
extravagances and crimes of terrorist tyranny have only 
served to make me hate more heartily every arbitrary 
regime, and attach myself more strongly to my princi- 
ples." 

" But you have spoken to him of our affairs," said 
the Consul, with evident displeasure. 

"No one is further than myself," replied La Fayette, 
" from seeking a foreign ambassador to censure what is 
passing in my own country ; but if he ask me if this is 
liberty, I must answer No." 

" I must say to you, General La Fayette," said Bona- 
parte, — " and I perceive it with pain, — that, by your 
manner of speaking of the acts of the government, you 
give its enemies the weight of your name." 

" What more can I do ? " was the fearless reply. " I 
live in the country in retirement; I avoid, as far as 
I can, occasions of speaking of public affairs ; but when 
any one demands of me if your administration of the 
government is conformable to my ideas of liberty, I 
shall say that it is not. I wish to be prudent, but I 
cannot be false." 

" But are you not convinced," replied he, " that in the 
state in which I found France I was forced to irregular 
measures ? " 

"That is not the question," he answered. "I speak 
neither of the time, nor of this or that act ; it is the 
tendency — yes, General, it is the tendency of affairs — 
which pains me and disturbs me." 

"As to the rest," Napoleon then replied, "I have 
spoken to you as the chief of the government ; and in that 



292 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

capacity I complain of you. But as a private individual 
I ought to be content, because, in all which has been told 
me concerning you, I have perceived that in spite of 
your severity upon the acts of government, there has 
always been on your part personal good will for me.'' 

" You are right," he answered. " A free government 
with you at its head — I should have nothing more to 
desire." 

One day La Fayette dined at the house of Madame 
de Stael, with Joseph Bonaparte and some members of 
that ephemeral opposition, whom Napoleon had not 
expelled. 

"You are dissatisfied," Joseph said to him, in the 
midst of the conversation. " You are not with us ; but 
permit me to say to you that you are no more with these 
gentlemen. They desire a rotation of directors who dif- 
fer in their striking of the shoulder. To-day it is one 
man; to-morrow it will be another; in place of that, 
if we have a regime conformed to your principles, you 
would be pleased that my brother should remain chief." 

When La Fayette was asked to vote for the decree 
declaring Napoleon First Consul for life, he replied : — 

" I cannot vote for such a magistracy until public 
liberty has been sufficiently guaranteed. Then I will 
give my vote to Napoleon Bonaparte." 

La Fayette addressed to the First Consul the following 
letter at this time : — 

*' La Grange, May 20, 1802. 

" General : When a man filled with the gratitude 
which he owes you, and too much alive to glory not 
to admire yours, has placed restrictions on his suffrage, 
those restrictions will be so much the less suspected 
when it is known that none more than himself would 
delight to see you chief magistrate for life of a free 



i 




JOSEPH BONAPARTE. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 29o 

republic. The IStli Brumaire saved France, and I felt 
that I was recalled by the liberal professions to which 
you have attached your honor. We afterwards beheld 
in the consular power that restorative dictatorship, 
which, under the auspices of your genius, has achieved 
such great things — less great, however, than will be 
the restoration to liberty. It is impossible that you, 
General, the first in that order of men (whom, to qnote 
and compare, would require me to retrace every page of 
history) can wish that such a revolution, so many vic- 
tories, so much blood and miseries, should produce to 
the world and to ourselves no other results than an 
arbitrary system. The French people know their rights 
too well to have entirely forgotten them. But perhaps 
they are better able to recover them now with advantage 
than in the heat of effervescence ; and you, by the 
power of your character and the public confidence ; 
by the superiority of your talents, your situation, and 
your fortune, may, by re-establishing liberty, subdue 
our dangers and calm our inquietudes. I have no other 
than patriotic and personal motives in wishing for you^ 
as the climax of our glory, a permanent magistrative 
post ; but it is in unity with my principles, my engage- 
ments, the actions of my whole life, to ascertain, before 
I vote, that liberty is established on a basis worthy of 
the nation and of you. I hope you will now acknowl- 
edge, General, as you have already had occasion to do, 
that to firmness in my political opinions are joined my 
sincere sentiments of my obligations to you." 

This memorable letter was never answered. 

La Fayette, in his " Memoires," thus comments upon 
his opposition to Napoleon : " It appears that Bon.qjarte 
had for a long time preserved his good-will towards me ; 



294 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

and even after my letter, when one had declared before 
hini; that there had not been any opposition to the 
Consulate for life, except from the Jacobin votes : — 

" ' Xo,' said he, ' there were the enthusiasts for liberty : 
La Fayette, for example.' 

"M. de Vaines, a member of the Cabinet Council, to 
whom he addressed his remark, observed that with- 
out doubt, I had believed it to be my duty to vote ac- 
cording to my principles, because no one could doubt of 
my personal attachment to Bonaparte. 

" ' Really,' replied he, ' he ought to be content with the 
government.' 

"The blame of this rupture has often been laid en- 
tirely to my charge ; but his resolution and his charac- 
ter left me no hope of being useful. As he advanced 
farther in his fatal course, the rupture was more inevita- 
ble. If any one has the desire of tracing for himself the 
good will of my feelings towards Bonaparte, he has only 
to search through my correspondence with my friends. 
It suffices that these letters, written at different times, 
free me from all reproach of ambition or caprice. 

" The foreigners who most desired to see me in office, 
were not tardy in feeling that I was right. But I will 
never despair of liberty. 

"'The character of General La Fayette,' said Klop- 
stock, a little Avhile after my release from Olmiitz, ' pre- 
vents him from well knowing his nation ; how could he 
believe them capable of possessing free institutions ? ' 

"His judgment was an error, which the excesses of 
the Jacobins had but too far scattered. Later, one of 
his friends, who was also mine. Avrote to me thus : ' Klop- 
stock died with his old attachment for you. We had 
together a long conversation regarding you, when I 
made to him my last visit ; he approved of you, a.nd be- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 295 

sought me that I shonhl write to yon, and sakite you 
most cordially for him. I present to you this last hom- 
age, coming, so to speak, from the other world,' 

" I was also touched, without doubt, to read in a letter 
written from Rome (by Madame de Stael) : ' I shall hope 
always for the human race as long as you exist. I ad- 
dress you this sentiment from the sul^lime Capitol, and 
the benedictions of its shades come to you through my 
voice.' 

" To multiply such citations, and to repeat the most 
flattering opinions from Europe and America, I should 
have the appearance of giving way to a vanity from wliicli 
it is easy to defend one's self after one has acted amidst 
great circumstances ; and particularly, after one has been 
the butt of some enthusiasm, one feels that there is 
nothing but a true esteem which is worthy of regard. I 
have myself said elsewhere, ' There is, then, some good 
in my retirement, since it publishes and maintains the 
idea that liberty is not abandoned without exception and 
without hope.' " 

La Fayette thus describes his meeting with Charles 
Fox: — 

"The Peace d' Amiens brought over a great number 
of Englishmen. 'They are all malecontents/ observed 
the ambassador Livingston ; '• some have expected to find 
France wild ; they have found her flourishing : the 
others hoped to see here traces of liberty ; all are dis- 
appointed.' I was at Chavaniac when Charles Fox and 
General Fitzpatrick arrived in Paris. They wished to 
send for me, as I was one of the principal objects of 
their visit. I hastened to join them. M. and Madame 
Fox, Fitzpatrick, MM. John and Trotter, passed several 
days at La Grange. I met at Paris the Lords Holland 
and Lauderdale, the new Duke of Bedford, M. Adair, and 



296 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
M. Erskine, whom I pressed in vain to write regarding 
the jury of England and of France. ' The first years of 
the Eevolntion/ said they, ' we had great hopes ; but the 
excesses have ruined the good cause.' 

"One day Fox, with his amiable goodness of heart, 
said to me in the presence of my son, that I should not be 
too much affected by an unavoidable delay. '■ Liberty will 
return,' said he, ^ but not for us ; for G-eorge, perhaps, 
and surely for his children.' " 

About this time La Fayette met with a severe injury, 
caused by a fall upon the ice. His hip-bone was broken, 
and the accident was followed by a long and painfid illness. 

In 1803 President Jefferson offered to appoint La 
Fayette governor of the newly acquired territory of Lou- 
isiana. The land allotted t ) La Fayette as a former 
major-general in the American army was selected from 
the fertile fields of that territory. But notwithstanding 
La Fayette's love for America, he felt constrained to 
remain in France, and therefore declined the kindly 
proffered honor. 

After Napoleon had been crowned emperor, he is 
reported to have said to his Council, one day : " Gentle- 
men, I know your devotion to the power of the throne. 
Every one in France is corrected ; I was thinking of the 
only man who is not, — La Fayette. He has never re- 
treated from his line. You see him quiet ; but I tell 
you he is quite ready to begin again." 

During the brief reign of Louis XVIII. and the ban- 
ishment of Napoleon to Elba, La Fayette appeared only 
once at court. When the sudden return of Bonaparte 
startled the world, and the trembling King Louis saw 
his power depart, one of the king's minister's exclaimed : 
" All is lost ! There is no endurance, no indignity, to 
which the king would not submit, to retain his throne." 




CHARLES FOX. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 297 

" What ! " said another ; " even La Fayette ? " 

" Yes," replied the first ; " even La Fayette him- 
self." 

When Napoleon again resumed the reins of power and 
re-established an hereditary peerage, La Fayette was 
pressed to take his seat by Joseph Bonaparte, who had 
been sent to the marquis by Napoleon ; but La Fayette's 
reply to the offered honor was consistent with all his 
former actions. 

"Should I ever again appear on the scene of public 
life, it can only be as the representative of the peopleJ^ 

Regarding the efforts of Joseph Bonaparte in his be- 
half. La Fayette says : " I was preparing to return to 
Chavaniac in September, 1804, when my relative and 
friend, Segur, G-rand Master of Ceremonies, wrote to me 
that Joseph Bonaparte had charged him with a message 
for me. 

" ' The Prince Joseph,' said he to me, at Paris, some 
time afterwards, ' wishes to attribute your retirement to 
a sentiment of the philosopher; but he observes with 
pain and disquietude that his brother regards it as a 
state of hostility. The friendship of Prince Joseph for 
you, presses you to place a limit to this situation. He 
regretted that you have not wished to be a senator. He 
asked only your name. You would not have to leave 
La G-range. His idea to-day is still less exceptional. 
There is a question of your being one of the dignitaries 
of the Legion of Honor ; in short, said he, your military 
record in America and Europe is such as gives this 
thing but the cojisequence adapted to your retirement, 
which in refusing will have a hostile effect. But before 
going farther, he wished to be assured that you will not 
refuse it.' 

" I began to reply, but Segur besought me to re- 



298 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

fleet, and the following is what I repeated the next 
day : ' I am greatly touched by the good will of Prince 
Joseph ; but he will permit me to observe to him that in 
my singular position, the Grand Cordon, although I am 
well pleased that he should offer it, Avould seem to me 
to be ridiculous, admitting even that it were the accom- 
paniment of an office. But it follows that I am to be 
nothing, and in being that, it follows so much the more, 
as this is nothing more than the chivalry of an order of 
things contrary to my principles ; I cannot therefore 
accept it. The qualification given to my retirement is 
strange when one compares the imperial power to my 
little influence ; but if it is indispensable that I should 
be something, I should be less repugnant to the Senate ; 
where, however, my opinions would oblige me to incur, 
on the other hand, a more just title of reproach than the 
emperor gives to me. I demand, then, that the friendship 
of his brother should remove from me all these condi- 
tions.' 

"My response was well carried. 'For the present,' 
said Prince Joseph, ' when I know the intentions of M. 
de La Fayette, I will profit by the occasions to serve 
him, but in accordance with his opinions.' " 

Having thus declined the peerage. La Fayette being 
warmly urged by the inhabitants of his district, accepted 
the appointment as their representative to the elective 
body, instituted to sit in connection with the Peers. As 
a member of the Chamber of Deputies, he continued to 
maintain and uphold his liberal principles with fearless 
eloquence whenever occasion demanded it. After the 
overthrow at Waterloo, La Fayette stipulated in the 
Assembly that the liberty and life of Napoleon should 
be guaranteed by the nation, and endeavored to obtain 
for him two frigates to conduct Bonaparte safely to the 



I 



A 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 299 

ITnited States ; but it was too late. La Fayette was sent 
by the Assembly to meet the victorious generals^ and 
prevent, if possible, their coming to Paris, by proposing 
terms of cai^itulation. Lord Stewart said to La Fayette : 
" I must inform you, sir, that there can be no peace with 
the allied powers, unless you deliver up Bonaparte to 
us." " I am surprised," replied La Fayette, with calm 
dignity and suppressed scorn, " that to propose so base 
an act to the French nation, you address yourself by 
choice to a prisoner of Olmiitz." 

Louis XVIII. was again forced upon the French people 
by the allies, contrary to the wishes of both the nation 
and La Fayette ; and the marquis accordingly once again 
retired to La Grange. Here he received his many friends 
and visitors with the most stately and yet warm-hearted 
cordiality, blending the courtesy of the gentleman of 
noble family with the sincerity and frankness of the 
man of the people. 

An English lady who enjoyed the pleasure of being a 
guest at La Grange in 1818 thus pictures the life there : — 

"Charming days, more charming evenings, flow on in 
a perpetual stream of enjoyment here. In the mornings 
Madame George La Fayette, the Countess Lasteyrie, and 
the Countess Maubourg are busy with the children, and 
do not appear. The visitors amuse themselves or are 
with the general, unless his occupations prevent. Then 
comes a walk or drive — sometimes a long excursion. 
After dinner at four o'clock, conversation ; in the even- 
ing, music or talking. Before breakfast I find all the 
young people at their easels, painting from models in the 
anteroom ; then they go to their m_usic (there are three 
pianos, and a music-master and an English governess live 
in the house) ; then they all turn out into the beautiful 
park for two liours, and then resume their studies for 



300 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

two hours more. But I never saw such happy children ; 
they live without restraint, and except while at their 
lessons, are always with the grown people. If the little 
ones are noisy, they are sent into the anteroom ; but 
their gentleness and good conduct are astonishing, consid- 
ering, too, that eleven of the twelve are always with us." 
All of La Fayette's children continued to make their 
home with him until the time of his death; and his 
grandchildren were a constant source of delight to him. 

Another delightful description of the home life at La 
Grange is given by Lady Morgan, who visited France 
about this time. She says : — 

" General La Fayette has not appeared in Paris since 
the return of the Bourbon dynasty to France. And I 
should have left that country without having seen one 
of its greatest ornaments, had not a flattering invitation 
from the Chateau La Grange enabled me to gratify a 
wish, long and devoutly cherished, of knowing, or at 
least of beholding, its illustrious master. Introduced by 
proxy to the family of La Fayette, by the young and 

amiable Princess Charlotte de B , we undertook our 

journey to La Grange with the same pleasure as the pil- 
grim takes his first unwearied steps to the shrine of 
sainted excellence. 

"In the midst of a fertile and luxuriant wilderness, 
rising above prolific orchards and antiquated woods, ap- 
peared the five towers of La Grange, tinged with the 
golden rays of the setting sun. Through the branches 
of the trees appeared the pretty village of Aubepierre, 
once, perhaps, the dependency of the castle, and cluster- 
ing near the protection of its walls. A remoter view of 
the village of D'Hieres, with its gleaming river and 
romantic valley, was caught and lost alternately in the 
serpentine mazes of the rugged road; which, accom- 



4:4^ J 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 301 

modated to the grouping of the trees, wound amidst 
branches laden with ripening fruit, till its rudeness sud- 
denly subsided in the velvet lawn that immediately sur- 
rounded the castle. The deep moat, the drawbridge, 
the ivied tower and arched portals, opening into the 
square court, had a feudal and picturesque character; 
and combined with the reserved tints and fine repose of 
evening, associated with that exaltation of feeling which 
belonged to the moment, preceding a first interview with 
those on whom the mind has long dwelt with admiration 
or interest. 

"We found General La Fayette surrounded by his 
patriarchal family — his excellent son and daughter-in- 
law, his two daughters (the sharers of his dungeon in 
Olmiitz) and their husbands, eleven grandchildren, and a 
venerable granduncle, the ex-grand prior of Malta, with 
hair as white as snow, and his cross and his order worn 
as proudly as when he had issued forth at the head of 
his pious troops against the ' paynim foe,' or Christian 
enemy. 

" Such was the group that received us in the salon of 
La G-range ; such was the close-knit circle that made our 
breakfast and our dinner party, accompanied us in our 
delightful rambles through the grounds and woods of La 
Grange, and constantly presented the most perfect unity 
of family interests, habits, tastes, and affections. 

" We naturally expect to find strong traces of time in 
the form of those with whose names and deeds we have 
been long acquainted, of those who had obtained the suf- 
frages of the world, almost before we had entered it. 
But, on the person of La Fayette, time has left no im- 
pression ; not a wrinkle furrows the ample brow ; and his 
unbent and noble figure is still as upright, bold, and 
vigorous as the mind that informs it. Grace, strength, 



301J THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

and dignity still distinguish the fine person of this 
extraordinary man ; Avho, though more than forty years 
before the world, engaged in scenes of strange and event- 
ful conflict, does not yet appear to have reached his 
climacteric. 

" Bustling and active in his farm, graceful and elegant 
in his salon, it is difficult to trace, in one of the most 
successful agriculturists, and one of the most perfectly 
fine gentlemen that France has produced, a warrior and 
a legislator. The patriot, however, is always discern- 
ible. 

" In the full possession of every faculty and talent he 
ever possessed, the memory of M. La Fayette has all the 
tenacity of unworn youthful recollections ; and, besides 
these, high views of all that is most elevated in the 
mind's conception. His conversation is brilliantly en- 
riched with anecdotes of all that is celebrated, in char- 
acter and event, for the last fifty years. He still talks 
with unwearied delight of his short visit to England, to 
his friend Mr. Fox, and dwelt on the witchery of the 
late Duchess of Devonshire with almost boyish enthu- 
siasm. He speaks and writes English with the same 
elegance he does his native tongue. He has made him- 
self master of all that is best worth knowing in Eng- 
lish literature and philosophy. 

"I observed that his library contained many of our 
most eminent authors upon all subjects. His elegant 
and well-chosen collection of books occupies the highest 
apartments in one of the towers of the chateau ; and, 
like the study of Montaigne, hangs over the farm-yard 
of the philosophical agriculturist. ^It frequently hap- 
pens,' said M. La Fayette, as we were looking out of the 
window at some flocks which were moving beneath, 'it 
frequently happens that my merinos and my hay carts 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. m^ 

(lisjjute my attention with your Hume or our own Vol- 
taire.' 

''He spoke with great pleasure of the visit paid him 
at La Grange some years ago by Mr. Fox and General 
Fitzpatrick. He took me out, the morning after my 
arrival, to show me a tower richly covered with ivy. ' It 
was Mr. Fox,' he said, 'who planted that ivy! I have 
taught my children to venerate it.' 

"The ChA,teau La Grange does not, however, want 
other points of interest. . . . Founded by Louis Le 
Gros, and occupied by the Princes of Lorraine, the 
mark of a cannon-ball is still visible in one of its towers, 
which penetrated the masonry, when attacked by Mare- 
chal Turenne. Here in the plain, but spacious, salon- 
ct-manger, the peasantry of the neighborhood and the 
domestics of the castle assemble every Sunday evening 
in winter to dance to the violin of the concierge, and are 
regaled with cakes and eau sucree. The general is usu- 
ally, and his family are always, present at these rustic 
balls. The young people occasionally dance among the 
tenantry, and set the example of the new steps, freshly 
imported by their Paris dancing-master. 

'' In the summer this patriarchal reunion takes place 
in the park, where a space is cleared for the purpose, 
shaded by the lofty trees which encircle it. A thousand 
times, in contemplating La Fayette, in the midst of his 
charming family, the last years of the life of the Chan- 
cellor de I'Hopital recurred to me, ... he whom the 
na:ive Brantome likens to Cato ! and who, loving liberty 
as he hated faction, retired from a court unworthy of his 
virtues, to his little domain of Vignay, which he culti- 
vated himself." 

In 1819 La Fayette was again chosen a member of 
the Chamber of Deputies. His many stirring and elo- 



304 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 1 

• 

quent speeches in favor of liberty, and his fearless 
denunciations of despotic tyranny, aroused the fear and 
hatred of Louis XVIII. In 1823 the king ordered his 
solicitor-general to accuse La Fayette of treason. The 
charge was made publicly in the Chamber of Deputies, 
and for a moment was received with profound silence. 
Then La Fayette slowly rose from his seat, and with 
calm and commanding dignity took his stand upon 
the tribune. With folded arms he surveyed the as- 
sembly with unquailing eye ; and then he spoke : " In 
spite of my habitual indifference to party accusations 
and animosities, I still think myself bound to say a 
single word upon this occasion. During the whole 
course of a life entirely devoted to liberty, I have 
constantly been an object of attack to the enemies of 
that cause ; under whatever form, despotic, aristocratic, 
or anarchic, they have endeavored to combat it. I 
do not complain, then, because I observe some affecta- 
tion in the use of the word ' proved,' which the solicitor- 
general has employed against me ; but I join my 
honored friends in demanding a public inquiry, within 
the walls of this chamber, and in the face of the 
nation. Then, I and my adversaries, to whatever rank 
they belong, may declare, without reserve, all that we 
have mutually had to reproach each other with for the 
last thirty years." 

His accusers recoiled from such a daring, and to them 
condemnatory, challenge, and La Fayette was acquitted ; 
but the government, by intrigues and bribery, defeated 
his re-election. 

The following speech of La Fayette, delivered in the 
Chamber of Deputies in 1821, and published in the Neiv 
York American, of July, that same year, will give some 
idea of the fearless eloquence of the marquis, which 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 305 

dauntless frankness so incensed the corrupt court and 
enraged the Bourbon king. 

The New York American thus comments upon the 
speech : — 

"We have allotted a considerable portion of our paper 
to-day to a speech of General La Fayette, delivered last 
month in the French Chamber of Deputies ; and, in doing 
so, we shall gratify, as we hope, that deep feeling of in- 
terest with which every act of that ' soldier of America,' 
as he proudly calls himself, is looked upon by his fellow- 
citizens of the United States. It will be seen that, true 
to his early principles, this veteran friend of freedom 
still maintains the doctrines to which this country owes 
its existence and glory, and which, shackled and fettered 
indeed, but still prevailing, he has the high honor of 
having transplanted, sheltered, and under all changes 
adhered to in France. It has, indeed, been truly and 
beautifully said of La Fayette that he was among those 
who took an active part in the French Revolution, per- 
haps the only one ' who had nothing to ask of oblivion.' 
Pure and disinterested in his views and in his conduct, 
the public good has ever been his object and his sole 
aim; and the blessings of this great nation, in whose 
favor he early drew his noble sword, and the respect of 
every lover of liberty in every clime, bear testimony to 
the consistency of a life which, midst every variety of 
changes and perils, has never been sullied by meanness 
nor dishonored by crime." 

General La Fayette's Speech. 

During the discussions on the budget on the 4th of 
June, which, in making appropriations for the expend- 
itures of the country, laid open to remark all the various 
interests of France, M. La Fayette, having been called 



aOG THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
on to speak, presented liimself at the tribune, and, after 
the lively expressions of interest which his presence 
there excited in the Chamber had subsided, spoke as 
follows : — 

"The general discussion of the budget gives us the 
right of making some summary remarks upon each of 
its provisions. The public debt, however contracted, is 
sacred. I regret, in common with others, its recent in- 
crease ; but without recriminations here, as the errors of 
the first restoration, which produced the 20th March, or 
as to the fatal landing which came to mingle itself with 
the progress of a more salutary and less turbulent re- 
sistance, or as to the conditions of the last treaty of 
peace, stipulated exclusively between the powers at war 
with France and the august ally of those powers, I will 
confine myself to drawing from the past an important 
lesson for the future, which is, that it would have cost, 
as I said at the time, much less to expel the coalition of 
foreigners than to treat with it ; and that, if ever such a 
state of things should recur, and that, following the ex- 
ample of Napoleon and the provisional government, the 
rulers of France should hesitate to call out the people en 
masse ^ it Avould be alike the duty and the safety of that 
people themselves to leap to their arms, and combining 
with one accord the million arms of her warlike genera- 
tion and devoted youth, to bury beneath them, as she 
might do, the violators of her independence. 

" The civil list has been voted for the whole duration 
of this reign; but when, in consequence of encroach- 
ments and dilapidations forty million francs of personal 
revenue for the monarch and his family begin to be con- 
sidered as insufficient, it is allowable to look at — I will 
not say that country of ten millions of inhalntants, where 
the salary of the chief magistrate is not equal to that of 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 307 

a French minister, but at the monarchical, aristocratic, 
and ex])ensive government of England ; where, never- 
theless, the provision for the princes is smaller than in 
France ; and where more than half the civil list is em- 
ployed in paying the diplomatic corps, ministers, and 
judges ; where the sum for which the king is not bound 
to account does not exceed a million and a half of francs. 
. . . Whatever may have been the losses and the pressure 
caused by a just defence against the aggressions of Euro- 
pean cabinets, and which the ambition of a conqueror 
provoked, it must be owned, by more than one act of 
perfidy on the part of those courts, has since immeasur- 
ably increased ; the enormous amount of the pension list 
arises from other causes. These are to be found in the 
rapid succession of the different governments in France, 
each anxious to create vacancies in favor of its friends ; 
and, above all, in the recent irruption of a crowd of pre- 
tenders, all claiming rewards for having, either in will or 
in deed, in foreign pay or in domestic insurrections, on 
the highways or in obscure idleness, and even beneath 
the imperial liveries, manifested or dissembled their 
opposition to those governments which, each flattered 
in its turn, are now all called illegitimate. It is thus, 
that by deviations and apostasies from a revolution of 
liberty and equality, we have finished by seeing Europe 
during some years inundated with two complete assort- 
ments of dynasties, — nobility and privileged classes. . . . 
" I come now, gentlemen, to the second part of our ex- 
penses, the contingent part of the budget ; but before re- 
marking upon its items separately, I would ask how we can 
conscientiously support, by voting the ways and means, 
a government so scandalously expensive, and of which 
the system is hostile to the rights and to the wishes of 
almost all those who contribute to its support ; and who, 



308 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
doubtless, only pay these contributions with a view to be 
honestly served, and by those who will study the na- 
tional interest. It is to be hoped that this year the 
special application of every sum to the object for which 
it was voted will be closely scrutinized, as is the case in 
other countries. . . . 

" My unwillingness to vote for the expenses of foreign 
affairs arises from the conviction that our diplomacy at 
present is an absurdity. In truth, gentlemen, the sys-. 
tem, the agents, the language, all appear to me foreign 
to regenerated France ; she is again subjected to doc- 
trines that she had branded, to powers she had so often 
conquered, to habits contracted among her enemies, to 
obligations for which, on her own account at least, she 
has no cause to blush. In the meanwhile, Europe, 
aroused by us thirty years ago to liberty, checked indeed 
since, as it must be confessed, by the view of our excesses 
and the abuse of our victories, has resumed, and will 
preserve, notwithstanding recent misfortunes, that great 
march of civilization, at the head of which our French 
place is marked, a place in which the eyes of all people 
who are free, or aspiring to become so, should not seek 
us in vain. 

"Well, gentlemen, in this division of Europe between 
two banners, — on the one side, despotism and aristoc- 
racy ; on the other, liberty and equality, — that liberty 
and equality which we first proclaimed there, — where 
do we find the soi-disant organs of France ? exempt, it is 
true, and I am happy to acknowledge it, from a hostile 
co-operation, in the aggression of the satellites of Trop- j 
pau and Laybach, whom a success of little duration, as ! 
I hope, will only render more odious ; they are also en- 
titled to our thanks for not having insulted France by 
any positive participation in those recent declarations of 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 309 

the three powers, which, in order not to offend the ma- 
jority in tliis house, I will only characterize by repeating 
my ardent wishes, the wishes of my life, for the eman- 
cipation of the people, the independence of nations, and 
the morality and dignity of the true social order. We 
have, nevertheless, seen the agents of the French gov- 
ernment, in their subaltern participation in the first 
deliberation of these congresses, not even to raise them- 
selves to the level, so easily attained, of liberality evinced 
by the British diplomatists. . . . 

" Such are not the doctrines of France. I speak not now 
of my personal incredulity of the doctrine of the divine 
right of kings ; but I recall to you that already, long 
before '89, the era of the European revolution, when 
we Soldiers of America felt honored by the name 
of rebels and insurgents then lavished upon us, all in 
virtue of social order by the English government, Louis 
XVI. and his ministers had expressly recognized the sov- 
ereignty of the United States, founded as it was upon 
the principles of their immortal declaration of independ- 
ence. 

" These principles, since received into the bosom of the 
constituent assembly, proclaimed in a degree, sworn to 
by the king and his august brother amidst the greatest 
of our patriotic solemnities, have been since acknowl- 
edged, even in the ursurpations of the imperial despot- 
ism, — they were since repeated from this tribune as a 
I)rotecting truth by the friends of the charter and the 
royal throne on the 19th of March, 1815, for then it was 
not said that the charter was the counter-revolution; 
and, indeed, in order to ascertain the share due to the 
revolution of the rights recognized by the charter, that 
share which has so often been denied, it would suffice to 
read again an august proclamation, dated from Verona 



310 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

in July, 1795. These principles, professed at this day 
among that people who are our natural allies, outAveigh 
all the exploded pretensions which we have since re- 
newed, the moment that a noble effort of the nations 
subjected by our arms had forced their old governments 
in spite of themselves to recover the independence which 
they had so completely, so servilely, so affectionately 
alienated for the benefit of their conqueror ; to whom, in 
a recent note from Troppau, they have preserved the 
noblest title he ever bore, in calling him the soldier of 
the Revolution. 

" In truth, gentlemen, the crimes and misfortunes 
which we deplore are no more the Revolution than the 
Saint Bartholomew was religion, or those you would call 
monarchical, the eighteen thousand judicial murders of 
the Duke of Alva. . . . 

" I will only make one remark as to the public instruc- 
tion. The constitution of '91 said, ' There shall be organ- 
ized a system of public instruction open to all citizens, 
gratuitous with res^^ect to the indispensable parts of 
education, and Avidely disseminated.' Your committee, 
on the contrary, exalting themselves to the height of the 
emperor of Austria's address to the professors at Lay- 
bach, look upon gratuitous instruction as a social disor- 
der^ and are particularly desirous to suppress the amount 
destined for the encouragement of elementary instruc- 
tion, principally because it serves to favor the Lancas- 
terian system, which your committee does not think will 
harmonize with the spirit of our institutions. Now, gen- 
tlemen, the Lancasterian system is, since the invention 
of printing, the greatest step which has been made for 
the extension of prompt, easy, and popular instruction. . . . 

'' The expenses of the navy department are enormous. 
The navy of the United States has already been cited to 



■i.'oll 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 311 

you ; that navy, whose flag, since its establishment and 
during two spirited wars against the flag of Britain, has 
never once failed with equal, and often with inferior, 
force, to gain the advantage. The provisions, the pay, — 
everything there, as has been observed to you, — are 
higher than with us. Its cruisers amounted lately to 
two ships of the line, nine frigates and fifteen smaller 
vessels, protecting a commerce of more than 1,200,000 
tons, without including the fisheries or the coasting 
trade. The expenses of their navy department were 
fixed last session at two and one-half millions of dollars, 
and half a million more to build new vessels, making 
sixteen millions of francs, calculated, indeed, for twelve 
vessels of the line and twenty frigates, etc. But what a 
difference between this sum and fifty millions of francs, 
which are said to be insuflicient for our navy ! . . . 

'' I shall not consider it as a departure from the ques- 
tion under discussion as to the general administration of 
the kingdom, if, by a rapid examination of the ancient 
regime, I shall endeavor to furnish an answer to the 
Avishes and regrets of which it still seems the object. It 
was from the destruction of this regime that we saw dis- 
appear that corporation of clergy which, exercising all 
sorts of influences and refusing all share in the common 
burdens, increased continually and never alienated its 
immense riches, but divided them among themselves ; 
which, rendering the law an accomplice in vows too 
frequently forced, covering France with monastic orders 
devoted to a foreign head, collected contributions both 
in the garb of wealth and mendicity ; and Avhich, in its 
secular organization, formed so considerable a portion of 
the idle and unproductive class that the daily ministers 
of the altar were the most insignificant portion of what 
was called the first order of the state. 



k 



312 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

"We saw disappear that corporation of sovereign 
courts where the privilege of judging was venal of 
right, and, in fact, hereditary in the nobility ; when 
feudal judges, chosen and revocable by their seigneurs, 
presided ; when the diversity of codes and the laws of 
arrests made you lose before one tribunal the cause you 
had gained before another. 

" We saw disappear that financial corporation oppress- 
ing France beyond endurance, and by leases, whose mon- 
strous government exceeded in expense and profit the 
receipts of the royal treasury, whose immense code, now 
here recorded, formed an occult science which its agents 
alone had the right or the means of interpreting, and 
which, in rewarding perjury and informers, exercised 
over all unprotected men a boundless and remorseless 
tyranny. 

" We saw disappear those distinctions of provinces, 
French, conquered, foreign, etc., each surrounded with a 
double row of custom-house officers and smugglers, from 
whose intestine war the prisons, the galleys, and the 
gibbet were recruited at the will of the stipendiaries of 
him who farmed the revenue, and those other distinctions 
of noble or common property ; when the parks and gar- 
dens of the rich paid nothing, while the land and the 
person of the poor man were taxed in proportion to his 
industry ; when the tax upon the peasant and upon his 
freehold recalled to nineteen-twentieths of the citizens 
that their degradation was not only territorial, but indi- 
vidual and personal. 

"By its destruction, that constitutional equality was 
consecrated which makes the general good the only foun- 
dation of distinctions acknowledged by law. The priv- 
ileged class lost the right of distributing among them- 
selves exclusive privileges, and of treating with contempt 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 313 

all other classes of their fellow-citizens. No Frenchman 
was now excluded from office because he might not come 
of noble blood ; or degraded, if noble, by the exercise of 
a useful profession. . . . 

" What more is there to regret ? Is it the scheme of 
taxation, regulated by the king at the will of a minister 
of finance, whom I myself have seen changed twelve 
times in fourteen years, and which taxation was dis- 
tributed arbitrarily among the provinces, and even among 
the contributors ? . . . 

" Is it the capitation tax, established in 1702, to achieve 
the peace, and never afterwards repealed? The two- 
twentieths diminished on the contributions of the power- 
ful and made heavier on those of the poor ; the land tax, 
of which the basis was in Auvergne, nine sous out of 
twenty, and amounting sometimes to fourteen, on account 
of the vast increase of privileged jjersons created by traffic 
in places f Finally, is it the odious duties on consump- 
tion, more odious than the droits reunis of Napoleon? 
Is it the criminal jurisprudence, when the accused could 
neither see his family, his friends, his country, nor the 
documents by which he was to be tried ? ... When the 
verdict, obscurely obtained, might be aggravated at the 
pleasure of the judges by torture ? for the torture pre- 
paratory to the examination had been alone abolished. ..." 

The N'e^v York American, of April, 1824, relates the 
following: "Our, La Fayette has, it seems, given fresh 
offence lately to the ultra-royalists, which the following 
translation will explain. He had been summoned as a 
witness on a trial ; the crier being ordered to call over 
the witnesses, the following scene occurred : — 

" Crier. The Marquis de La Fayette. 

'' Mr. La Fayette. I beg to observe to the court, that in 
the list of witnesses I am named by a title which, since 



:314 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

the decree of tlie Constituent Assembl}^ in 1791 (the 
decree abolishing orders of nobility), I have ceased to 
bear. 

^^ President of the Tribunal. Crier, call Mr. La Fayette. 

" This simple declaration has drawn down on the vet- 
eran all the wrath of the ultra presses ; and he has been 
seriously accused of having in making it, violated the 
charter or constitution. This notable instrument, it 
seems, sets forth ' that the ancient nobility resume their 
rights'; and because the soldier of libert}^ refuses to 
be confounded in title with the thousand little marquises 
about the court, he is charged with an offence against 
the constitution of his country. The servile flatterers 
of power, wnether wielded by the self-made Corsican or 
the son of St. Louis, may well rail at an example of con- 
sistency which shames their rapid and oft-repeated ter- 
giversations. 

" It may be interesting to many to add, that on his ex- 
amination in giving his name and age, as is usual in 
French trials. General La Fayette states himself to be 
sixty-six years old. 

" We regretted at the time to observe in the resolutions 
passed by Congress, that our early friend was mentioned 
by his title, and we see the more reason to regret it now, 
as it will furnish an occasion for the taunts of the 
French press, as contrasted with the declaration above 
stated." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 315 



I 



CHAPTER XI. 

La Fayette and his Son sail for America — Ruse of the French 
Police — La Fayette's arrival in America — His Reception in 
New York — Meeting his Old Companions in Arms — Various 
Cities visited — Public Dinner at Westchester — Reception at 
Albany — Address of the Mayor — The General's Reply — La 
Fayette received by Congress — Welcome by Mr. Clay — La Fay- 
ette's Fitting Answer — An Incident — M. Levasseurj^counts 
their Visit to Ex-President Monroe — La Fayette visits General 
Jackson — The Renowned Pistols — La Fayette's Interesting Com- 
ments — Old Hickory's Enthusiastic Declaration — Scene at the 
Tomb of Washington — La Fayette pays Homage to the Ashes 
of the Illustrious Dead — Dinner given by Congress in Honor of 
La Fayette — Visit of a Committee from Both Houses — Act of 
Congress concerning him — Address of the Committee — Gen- 
eral La Fayette's Reply. 

" Yes; to this thought I hold with firm persistence; 
The last result of wisdom stamps it true ; 
He only earns his freedom and existence 

Wlio daily conquers them anew." — Goethe. 

ON the 12th of July, 1824, La Fayette, accompanied 
by his son, George Washington, and his private sec- 
retary, M. Levasseur, set sail from Havre for his last visit 
to America. When the fact became known that La Fay- 
ette contemplated this journey, the French police im- 
mediately endeavored to spy out his motives for so 
doing, to discover if they had any political significance. 
This incident is taken from a French paper : — 
"As soon as it was known that M. de La Fayette was 
going to the United States, M. Delavau became anxious to 



316 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

9 

iiiid out what preparations he was making for his depart- 
ure, and everything that passed in his hotel. For this 
purpose a list of subscribers for the relief of an old of- 
ficer was forged, and to it were attached the names of 
Messrs. Ternaux, Lafitte, Benjamin Constant, and other 
deputies. A police officer named Placi was employed 
on this occasion; and he called at the house of M. de 
La Fayette, and saw M. Levasseur, his secretary, who 
questioned him with great caution ; and from the awk- 
ward answers of the policeman discovered the trick. M. 
Levasseur told him that M. de La Fayette was not with- 
in at that moment, and if he would return in half an 
hour he would be sure of meeting the general, who, no 
doubt, would afford him every assistance in his power. 
The policeman, confident of the success of his visit, re- 
turned many thanks, and promised to come back at the 
appointed time. 

" M. Levasseur ordered a servant to follow him, and he 
was traced to a house where other police agents were 
assembled; and they were heard congratulating each 
other upon the capital breakfast which they could eat 
the next morning at the expense of General La Fayette. 
The policeman returned in half an hour, and was intro- 
duced to M. de La Fayette, who received him in the 
kindest manner, and addressed him thus : — 

" ' Well, sir, what are you ? ' 

" ' I am, sir,' said the policeman, ' an old officer, who 
has been greatly persecuted.' 

" ' Probably,' said the general, ' you belong to M. Dela- 
vau's regiment ? ' 

"^No,' said Placi. 

" ' Well,' continued the general, ' as you will not tell 
the truth, I will try and force you to do so.' 

"The general, then addressing himself to his secre- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 317 

tary, told him to order up the servants and direct them to 
tie the policeman in a chaise, and carry him to his chateau 
in the country and burn him. They obeyed the gen- 
eral's orders, and fastened Placi with cords in the post- 
chaise ; but soon as he saw it was no joke (not being 
able to move hand or foot), he begged to be allowed to 
speak a few words to the general ; and on being brought 
before him, threw himself upon his knees, and asked for 
pardon, and at the same time delivering up the paper 
which he had received as instructions. M. de La Fay- 
ette granted him his liberty, and transmitted the instruc- 
tions, with a letter to M. Delavau, which the latter (of 
course, through modesty) has not thought proper to 
publish in the newspapers." 

The following account of the arrival of La Fayette in 
America is taken from the files of the Niles Register, a 
newspaper published in Baltimore at that time. The 
date is August, 18U4. 

" It is with feelings of the utmost pleasure we announce 
the arrival of this distinguished soldier and patriot of the 
Revolution. He came a passenger in the Cadmus from 
Havre, accompanied by his son, George Washington La 
Fayette, and arrived at the quarantine ground, near New 
York, on the l.^th inst. He landed from the Cadmus at 
an early hour in the morning, and repaired to the dwell- 
ing of the Vice-President on Staten Island. 

" Immediately on his arrival being known, he was 
waited on by a committee of the corporation of Kew 
York and a great number of distinguished citizens. He 
is in excellent health, full of conversation, and re- 
joiced beyond measure in liaving his foot upon American 
ground. On the following day he was conducted to the 
city, amidst every demonstration of joy that a grateful 
people could bestow, reflecting the highest credit on the 



318 THE LIFE OF LA FAtETTE, 

patriotic citizens of Xew York, and a just tribute to the 
veteran whose blood and treasure so essentially contrib- 
uted to the enjoyment of our present blessings." 

The following interesting particulars are extracted from 
the New York Commercial Advertiser : — 

" The committee, having chartered the steamship Mob- 
ert Fulton and the steamboats Chancellor Livingston, Oli- 
ver Ellsworth, Henry Eckford, Connecticut, Bellona, Olive 
Branch, Nautilus, etc., they were all superbly dressed 
with flags and streamers of every nation, and directed 
to meet and form an aquatic escort between the south 
part of the Battery and G-overnor's Island, and thence 
proceed in order to Staten Island. The squadron, bear- 
ing six thousand of our fellow-citizens, majestically took 
its course toward Staten Island, there to take on board 
our long-expected and honored guest. At one o'clock the 
fleet arrived at Staten Island, and in a few minutes a 
landau was seen approaching the hotel near the ferry. 
The general, the Vice-President, and ex-governor Ogden 
of New Jersey having alighted, a procession was formed, 
and the venerable stranger, supported by these gentle- 
men, followed by all the officers of the island and 
a crowd of citizens, passed through a triumphal arch, 
round which was tastefully entwined the French and 
American colors. He was here met by the committee of 
the common council, who conducted him on board the 
Chancellor. On entering this splendid vessel, the ma- 
rines paid him military honors. He was now introduced 
to the committees from most of our honored associations 
and the general officers representing the infantry. The 
West Point band all this time were playing, ' See ! the 
conquering hero comes,' ' Ou pent on etre mieiix,^ ' Hail 
Columbia,' and the ' Marseillaise Hymn.' 

"The steamship now fired a salute, and the whole 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 319 

squadron got under way for the city. Decidedly the 
most interesting sight was the reception of the general 
by his old companions in arms, Colonel Marinus Willet, 
now in his eighty-fifth year, General Van Cortland, Gen- 
eral Clarkson, and other Revolutionary worthies. He 
knew and remembered them all. It was a reunion of a 
long-separated family. 

" After the ceremony of embracing and congratulations 
were over, he sat down alongside of Colonel Willet, who 
grew young again and fought all his battles over. ' Do 
you remember,' said he, 'at the battle of Monmouth I 
was a volunteer aid to General Scott ? I saw you in the 
heat of battle. You were but a boy; but you were a 
serious and sedate lad.' "Aye, aye; I remember well. 
And on the Mohawk I sent you fifty Indians ; and you 
wrote that they set up such a yell that they frightened 
the British horse, and they ran one way and the Indians 
another.' I^o x^erson who witnessed this interview will 
ever forget it ; many an honest tear was shed on the 
occasion. 

" La Fayette landed amidst the cheers and acclama- 
tions of 30,000 people, who filled the Castle, Battery, 
and surrounding grounds within sight. After partaking 
of some refreshment, the whole cavalcade moved in the 
direction of the City Hall. The general rode uncovered, 
and received the unceasing shouts and the congratula- 
tions of 50,000 freemen, ^^dth tears and smiles, which 
bespoke how deeply he felt the pride and glory of the 
occasion. 

"•After the ceremonies of presentation at the City 
Hall, he was conducted to his lodgings at the City 
Hotel ; and he had the extraordinary condescension 
and good feeling to come out and shake hands with 
six or seven hundred American youths, the future con- 



;320 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

servators of his fame. This circn instance has planted 
in the minds of these little ones the strongest affection 
for the man, which will go with them through life and 
endure till its close. 

" Such is a faint outline of the proceedings of a day 
which shines proudly in the annals of our country ; pro- 
ceedings Avhich were more brilliant than any that have 
ever been witnessed in America, and Avhich will rarely, 
if ever, be equalled." 

Deputations from various cities called upon La Fay- 
ette : among them was a deputation from the corporation 
of Baltimore, to whose greeting La Fayette replied in ex- 
pressive terms. " Ah, Baltimore ! " he exclaimed ; " well 
do I recollect Baltimore, and with feelings of peculiar 
gratitude ; for to the merchants of Baltimore, and par- 
ticularly to the ladies of Baltimore, I was indebted for 
assistance which enabled me to open the Virginia cam- 
paign. Without them, I do not know what I could have 
done." 

General La Fayette visited the following places during 
his triumphal journey through America, between the 
time of his arrival in August, 1824, and his departure 
in September, 1825, being received everywhere with the 
warmest enthusiasm and honored with the most dis- 
tinguished attentions. At New York, Boston, Provi- 
dence, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, — and, in 
fact, everywhere, — he was honored with such ovations 
as the country had never befoi-e witnessed. We can 
only name the various cities which were honored by his 
presence, and a few incidents which occurred. After 
his reception at New York, he visited successively the 
following places : Providence, Boston ; then returned to 
New York; and having been again received by crowds of 
people whose desire to behold him was unabated, he 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 321 

attended a splendid civic fete at Castle Garden, and then 
proceeded to visit West Point, Newburg, Poughkeepsie, 
Clermont, Catskill, Hudson, Albany, Troy, Jersey City, 
Newark, Elizabethtown, Xew Brunswick, Princeton, 
Trenton, Morrisville, Philadelphia, Wilmington, French- 
town, Baltimore, Washington, Alexandria, Yorktown, 
Williamsburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Mon- 
ticello, Charlottesville, Annapolis, from whence he re- 
turned to Washington and Baltimore. 

The Magazine of American History of December, 
1887, quotes the following description, taken from the 
New York Evening Post of 1824, regarding the brilliant 
fete given at Castle Garden on the 14th of September, 
1824, in honor of the nation's guest, General La Fay- 
ette : — 

" We hazard nothing in saying it was the most mag- 
nificent fete given under cover in the world. It was a 
festival that realizes all that we read of in the Persian 
tales or Arabian Nights, which dazzled the eye and be- 
wildered the imagination, and which produced so many 
powerful combinations by magnificent preparations as to 
set description almost at defiance. We never saw ladies 
more brilliantly dressed ; everything that fashion and 
elegance could devise was used on the occasion. Their 
head-dresses were principally of flowers, with ornamented 
combs, and some with plumes of ostrich feathers. White 
and black lace dresses over satin were mostly worn, with 
a profusion of steel ornaments, and neck chains of gold 
and silver, suspended to which were beautiful gold and 
silver badge medals bearing a likeness of La Fayette, 
manufactured for the occasion. The gentlemen had sus- 
pended from the button-holes of their coats a similar 
likeness, and with the ladies, had the same stamped on 
their arloves. A belt or sash with the likeness of the 



322 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

general, and entwined with a chaplet of roses, also 
formed part of the dress of the ladies. 

" Foreigners who were present admitted that they had 
never seen anything equal to this fete in the several 
countries from which they came, the blaze of light and 
beauty, the decorations of the military officers, the com- 
bination of rich colors Which met the eye at every glance, 
the brilliant circle of fashion in the galleries, — every- 
thing in the range of sight being inexpressibly beautiful, 
and doing great credit and honor to the managers and 
all engaged in this novel spectacle. The guests num- 
bered several thousands ; but there was abundant room 
for the dancing, which commenced at an early hour and 
was kept up until about three o'clock in the morning." 

At a public dinner given to General La Fayette at 
Westchester, Dr. Darlington, late member of Congress 
from that district, offered the following classic toast : — 

" The Fields of Brandywine ! . . . irrigated on the 
Cadmean system of agriculture, with the blood of revolu- 
tionary patriots . . . the teeming harvest must ever be 
independejit freemen." 

The Niles Register, of Baltimore, gives the following 
interesting descriptions of the reception of La Fayette 
at Albany, and the memorable public welcome given him 
by Congress : — 

"On alighting at the capitol, the general was con- 
ducted to the senate chamber, where he was received by 
the mayor and the members of the corporation. He 
was addressed by the mayor of Albany, as follows : — 

" ^ Your visit in this country is received Avith universal 
and heart-felt joy. Your claims upon the gratitude and 
friendship of this nation arise from your heroic devo- 
tion to its freedom, and your uniform assertion of the 
rights of man. The progress of time has a.ttested the 



Hi 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 323 

purity of your character and the lustre of your heroism, 
aivl the whole course of your life has evinced those 
exalted virtues which were first displayed in favor of 
the independence and liberty of America. 

" ' In the hour of difficulty and peril, when America, 
without allies, without credit, with an enfeebled govern- 
ment, and with scanty means of resistance, confiding in 
the justice of her cause, and the protection of Heaven, 
was combating for her liberties against a nation power- 
ful in resources and all the materials of war, when our 
prospects of success were considered by many more than 
doubtful, if not desperate, you devoted all your energies 
and all your means to our defence ; and, after witnessing 
our triumphant success, your life has been consecrated 
to the vindication of the liberties of the Old World. 

"'When Franklin, the wisest man of the age, pro- 
nounced you the most distinguished person he ever 
knew ; when Washington, the illustrious hero of the New 
World, honored you with friendship the most sincere, 
and with confidence the most unlimited, they evinced 
their just discernment of character, and foresaw the fur- 
ther display of faculties and virtues which would iden- 
tify your name with liberty, and demonstrate your well- 
founded claims to the gratitude, the love, and the admi- 
ration of mankind. 

" ' The few surviving statesmen and soldiers of the 
Revolution have gathered around you as a friend and a 
brother ; the generation that has risen up since your 
departure cherish the same feelings ; and those that will 
appear in the successive future ages will hail you as the 
benefactor of America and the hero of liberty. In every 
heart you have a friend, and your eulogiimi is pro- 
nounced by every tongue. I salute you as an illustrious 
benefactor of our country ; and I supplicate the bless- 



324 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

iiigs of Heaven on a lite sanctified in the sublime cause 
of heroic virtue and disinterested benevolence.' " 

To which the general returned the following reply : — 

"Sir: The enjoyments of my visit to the beautiful 
country and happy shores of the North River cannot 
but be highly enhanced by the affectionate reception and 
the civic testimonies of esteem which are conferred upon 
me in this city, and the manner in which you are pleased 
to express sentiments so gratifying to my heart. Not 
half a century has elapsed since this place, ancient, but 
small, was my headquarters, on the frontiers of an ex- 
tensive wilderness, since, as commander in the northern 
department, I had to receive the oath of renunciation to 
a royal distant government, of allegiance to the more 
legitimate sovereignty of the people of the United 
States. 

"Now, sir, Albany, become a considerable city, is the 
central seat of the authorities of the state of New York. 
Those wildernesses rank among the most populous and 
best cultivated parts of the Union. The rising genera- 
tion has, in two glorious wars, and still more so in her 
admirable institutions, asserted an indisputable superior- 
ity over the proud pretender to a control upon her. 

" To these happy recollections, sir, you have the good- 
ness to add remembrances of my early admission among 
the sons and soldiers of America, of friendships the 
most honorable and dear to me. I will not attempt to 
express the feelings that crowd on my mind, and shall 
only beg you, sir, and the gentlemen of the corporation 
to accept the tribute of my respectful and devoted grati- 
tude." 

The reception of La Fayette by Congress, in the Hall 
of Representatives, was peculiarly flattering and gratify- 
ing. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 325 

'* At an early hour the galleries began to till with spec- 
tators ; and soon after eleven o'clock, many ladies en- 
tered the hall and took possession of the sofas and seats 
which were appropriated for their reception. The doors 
were afterwards thrown open, and the Senate entered in 
procession and took seats on the right side of the chair. 

''At one o'clock, George Washington La Fayette and 
Colonel Levasseur, the general's secretary, entered the 
house, and took their seats on one of the sofas by the 
side of the Secretary of State. 

"In a few moments General La Fayette entered the 
house, supported on his right by Mr. Mitchell, the chair- 
man of the select committee, and on his left by Mr. Liv- 
ingston, and followed by the committee. The speaker 
and members then arose, and the procession advanced 
towards the centre of the house. Mr. Mitchell intro- 
duced La Fayette in the following words : — 

" ' Mr. Speaker : The select committee, appointed 
for that purpose, have the honor to introduce General 
La Fayette to the House of Representatives.' 

"The general was then conducted to the sofa placed 
for his reception, when the speaker, Mr. Clay, addressed 
him in the following words : — 

" ' Gexeral : The House of Representatives of the 
L^nited States, impelled alike by its own feelings and 
by those of the whole American people, could not have 
assigned to me a more gratifying duty than that of pre- 
senting to you cordial congratulations upon the occa- 
sion of your recent arrival in the United States, in com- 
pliance with the wishes of Congress ; and to assure you 
of the very high satisfaction which your presence affords 
on this early theatre of your glory and renown. Al- 
though but few of the members who compose this body 
shared with you in the war of our Revolution, all have. 



326 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

from impartial history, or from faithful tradition, a 
knowledge of the perils, the sufferings, and the sacrifices 
which you voluntarily encountered, and the signal ser- 
vices, in America and in Europe, which you performed 
for an infant, a distant, and an alien people ; and all 
feel and own the very great extent of the obligations 
under which you have placed our country. But the re- 
lations in which jou have ever stood to the United 
States, interesting and important as they have been, do 
not constitute the only motive of the respect and admira- 
tion which the House of Representatives entertain for 
you. Your consistency of character, your uniform devo- 
tion to regulated liberty, in all the vicissitudes of a long 
and arduous life, also commands its admiration. During 
all the recent convulsions of Europe, amidst, as after the 
dispersion of every political storm, the people of the 
United States have beheld you, true to your old princi- 
ples, firm and erect, cheering and animating, with your 
well-known voice, the votaries of liberty, its faithful and 
fearless champion, ready to shed the last drop of that 
blood which here you so freely and nobly spilt in the 
same holy cause. 

" 'The vain Avish has been sometimes indulged that Prov- 
idence would allow the patriot after death to return to 
his country and to contemplate the intermediate changes 
which had taken place, — to view the forests felled, the 
cities built, the mountains levelled, the canals cut, the 
highways constructed, the progress of the arts, the ad- 
vancement of learning, and the increase of population. 
General, your present visit to the United States is a 
realization of the consoling object of that wish. You 
are in the midst of posterity. Everywhere you must 
have been struck with the great changes, physical and 
moral, which have occurred since you left us. Even this 



r...i 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 327 

very city, bearing a venerated name, alike endeared to 
you and to us, has since emerged from the forest which 
then covered its site. In one respect you behold us 
unaltered, and this is in the sentiment of continued 
devotion to liberty, and of ardent affection and profound 
gratitude to your departed friend, the father of his 
country, and to you, and to your illustrious associates 
in the field and the cabinet, for the multiplied blessings 
which surround us, and for the very privilege of address- 
ing you which I now exercise. This sentiment, now 
fondly cherished by more than ten millions of people, 
will be transmitted, with unabated vigor, down the tide 
of time through the countless millions who are destined 
to inhabit the continent to the latest posterity.' 

" While the speaker was addressing him. General La 
Fayette was very visibly affected. At the close of the 
address he seated himself for a moment to regain com- 
posure, and then rose, and in tones made thrilling by 
intense feeling, he made the following reply : — 

"'Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of 
Representatives : While the people of the United 
States and their honorable representatives in Congress 
have deigned to make a choice of me, one of the Ameri- 
can veterans, to signify in his person their esteem for 
our joint services and their attachment to the principles 
for which we have had the honor to fight and bleed, I 
am proud and happy to share those extraordinary favors 
with my dear Revolutionary companions ; yet it Avould 
be, on my part, uncandid and ungrateful not to acknowl- 
edge my personal share in those testimonies of kindness, 
as they excite in my breast emotions which no words are 
adequate to express. 

" ' My obligations to the United States, sir, far exceed 
any merit I might claim ; they date from the time when 



328 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
I had the happiness to be adopted as a young soldier a 
favored son of America ; they have been continued to 
me during ahnost a half-century of constant affection and 
confidence ; and now, sir, thanks to your most gratifying 
invitation, I find myself greeted by a series of welcomes, 
one hour of which would more than compensate for the 
public exertions and sufferings of a whole life. 

" ' The approbation of the American people and their 
representatives for my conduct during the vicissitudes 
of the European revolution is the highest reward I could 
receive. Well may I stand firm and erect, when in their 
names, and by you, Mr. Speaker, I am declared to have 
in every instance been faithful to those American prin- 
ciples of liberty, equality, and true social order, the 
devotion to which, _as it has been from my earliest youth, 
so it shall continue to be to my latest breath. 

" ' You have been pleased, Mr. Speaker, to allude to the 
peculiar felicity of my situatiou, when, after so long an 
absence, I am called to witness the immense improve- 
ments, the admirable communications, the prodigious cre- 
ations, of which we find an example in this city, whose 
name itself is a venerated palladium. In a word, all the 
grandeur and prosperity of those happy United States, 
who, at the same time they nobly secure the complete 
assertion of American independence, reflect on every part 
of the world the light of a far superior civilization. 

"'What better pledge can be given of a persevering 
national love of liberty, when those blessings are evi- 
dently the result of a virtuous resistance to oppression, 
and institutions founded on the rights of men and the 
republican principle of self-government ? 

"'No, Mr. Speaker, posterity has not begun for me, 
since, in the sons of my companions and friends I find 
the same public feelings, and, permit me to add, the same 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 329 

feelings in my behalf wliicl) I have hatl the happiness to 
experience in their fathers. 

'^ ^ Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before a 
committee of a congress of thirteen states, to express 
the fond wishes of an American heart; on this day I 
have the honor and enjoy the delight to congratulate the 
representatives of the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the 
realization of those wishes, even beyond every human 
expectation, and upon the almost infinite prospects we 
can with certainty anticipate ; permit me, Mr. Speaker, 
and gentlemen of the House of Eepresentatives, to join 
to the expression of those sentiments a tribute of my 
lively gratitude, affectionate devotion, and profound re- 
spect.' 

"Both the address of the speaker of the House, and 
the reply of General La Fayette, were listened to with 
the most intense and admiring attention. As soon as 
the general had concluded his reply, Mr. Mitchell moved 
that the House should adjourn. After the adjournment, 
the speaker left his chair, and advancing to General La 
Fayette, offered his personal congratulations, while shak- 
ing him warmly by the hand. The members of the 
House were then introduced individually to their honored 
guest, by the speaker, and after some time spent in 
receiving and shaking hands with those who pressed for- 
ward to claim the honor of thus welcoming personally 
the distinguished guest of the nation, General La Fay- 
ette retired, bearing with him the admiring devotion and 
profoundest love of the people of his adopted country." 

Regarding an incident which occurred during La Fay- 
ette's last journey in America, the Niles Register says : — 

" To preserve, in some small degree, an account of the 
feelings which the arrival of our venerable friend has elic- 
ited, we have noticed a few of the exhibitions of it that 



380 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

have taken place, but every narrative of them falls far 
short of the reality of what has happened. The people 
are wild with joy, and the gratitude and love of all per- 
sons, of every age, sex, and condition, seems hardly to 
be restrained within the bounds of propriety — as if it 
would cause many to forget what was due to themselves 
and the general, whom they delight to honor. At one 
place they failed so far in self-respect as to contend with 
liorses for the privilege of drawing the Revolutionary 
chief in his carriage ! It is hoped that the general will 
not be thus insulted again — for insulted he must be, 
when he sees the sovereigns of this great and glorious 
country aiming at the most magnificent destinies, con- 
verted into asses or other beasts of burden. It is his 
desire to be treated like a man, not as a titled knave or 
brainless dandy. Let him be hugged to the heart of all 
who can approach him, so far as not to endanger his 
health, and incur the risk of ' killing him with kindness ' 
— let the trumpet to the cannon speak, the cannon to 
the heavens, and the ardent prayers of free millions 
ascend to the throne of the Omnipotent, that blessings 
may be heaped upon him ; but, in all this, let us remem- 
ber that we are men like unto himself and republicans.^^ 

Among the many interesting incidents of La Fayette's 
tour in America given by his secretary, M. Levasseur, in 
a work entitled "La Fayette in America," we have space 
for only three or four. M. Levasseur thus recounts an 
incident of their visit to Ex-President Monroe : — 

"General La Fayette was daily making preparations 
for his return to Europe, but before leaving the soil of 
America he was anxious to revisit some of his old 
friends in Virginia, and especially he desired to see 
him who, as chief magistrate, had received him at the 
seat of government, and who, now retired to private life, 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 331 

continued in cultivating his moderate patrimonial estate, 
to give his fellow-citizens an example of every virtue. 
The general mentioned his wish to President Adams, 
Avho immediately offered to accompany him in the visit, 
saying that 'he would gladly avail himself of such an 
occasion to go and offer to his predecessor his tribute of 
respect and attachment.' 

"On the 6th of August, accordingly, we started for 
Oak-hill, the residence of Mr. Monroe, thirty-seven miles 
from Washington. Mr. Adams took the general in his 
carriage, together with (xeorge La Fayette and one of his 
friends ; I followed in a tilbury with a son of the Presi- 
dent, and thus, without suite or escort, we left the city. 

" At the bridge over the Potomac we stopped to pay 
toll — the toll-gatherer, after counting the number of 
persons and horses, received from the President the sum 
required and we went on; scarcely, however, had we 
proceeded a few steps when we heard behind us a voice, 
saying, ' Mr. President, Mr. President, you have paid me 
a shilling short ! ' and immediately the toll-gatherer came 
running up with the money in his hand, explaining how 
the mistake arose. The President heard him attentively, 
went over the calculation with him, and finding that the 
man was right, put his hand out to pay him, when all at 
once the toll-gatherer recognized General La Fayette in 
the carriage, and forthwith insisted upon returning the 
amount of his toll, saying, ' All bridges and all gates are 
free to the Guest of the Nation.' 

" Mr. Adams, however, observed that on this occasion 
the general was not travelling officially nor as the Guest 
of the Nation, but simply as an individual and a friend 
of the President, which character gave him no title to 
exemption. This reasoning struck the toll-gatherer as 
just : he took the money and withdrew. Thus during 



332 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

the whole course of his travels in the United States 
the general v/as once only subject to the customary tolls, 
and that was precisely on the occasion when he was ac- 
companied by the chief magistrate of the nation — a cir- 
cumstance which in any other country would probably 
have insured him the privilege of exemption.-' 

Regarding this incident a writer remarks : — 

" We do not know how this simple narrative may strike 
others, but to us it affords a more remarkable illustration 
of the simplicity and real equality resulting from our 
institutions than the most elaborate argument could do.'- 

M. Levasseur also thus relates the visit of La Fayette 
to General Jackson at the Hermitage : — 

"At one o'clock we embarked with a numerous com- 
pany to go to dine with General Jackson, residing at the 
distance of some miles up the river. AVe there found 
many ladies and neighboring farmers who had been in- 
vited by Mrs. Jackson to come and take part in the fHe 
she had prepared. 

"The first thing that struck me on arriving at the 
residence of General Jackson was the simplicity of his 
habitation. Still a little governed by my European 
habits, I demanded if this could really be the dwelling 
of the most popular man in the United States ; of him 
whom the country proclaimed one of its most illustrious 
defenders ; and in fine, of him who, by the will of the 
people, had been on the point of arriving at the supreme 
magistracy ! 

" General Jackson showed us, in all their details, his 
garden and his farm, which appeared to be cultivated 
with the greatest intelligence. We remarked everywhere 
the greatest order and the most perfect prosperity, and 
might readily have believed ourselves with one of the 
richest and most skilful farmers of Germany. 



I 





4 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 333 

'" On re-entering the house, some friends of General 
Jackson, who probably had not seen him for a long time, 
begged him to show them the arms that he had received 
after the last war. He yielded with a good grace to 
their request, and caused to be placed on the table a 
sabre, a sword, and a pair of pistols. The sword was 
presented to him by Congress, and the sabre, I believe, 
by the body of the army who fought under his orders at 
New Orleans. These two arms of American manufac- 
ture are remarkable for the elegance of the workman- 
ship, and yet more for the honorable inscriptions with 
which they are covered. But it was particularly to the 
pistols that the general wished to draw our attention. 
He presented them to General La Fayette, and asked 
if he recollected them. The latter, after some moments 
of attentive examination, answered that he did remember 
them to be those which he had offered in 1778 to his pater- 
nal friend Washington, and that he experienced sincere 
satisfaction in now finding them in the hands of a man 
so worthy of such an inheritance. At these words the 
countenance of Old Hickory was suffused with a modest 
blush, and his eyes sparkled as in the days of victory. 

" ^ Yes,' said he, ' I believe myself worthy of it ' (press- 
ing at the same time to his bosom his pistols and the 
hands of La Fayette), 'if not for what I have done, at 
least for what I desire to do for my country.' 

'• All the citizens applauded this noble confidence of 
the patriot-hero, and felt convinced that the arms of 
Washington could not be in better hands than those of 
Jackson." 

But the most impressive scene pictured by M. Levas- 
seur is the following description of La Fayette's visit to 
the tomb of Washington : — 

'" Leaving Washington and desceiiding the Potomac, 



k 



334 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

after a voyage of two hours, the guns of Fort Washing- 
ton announced that we were approaching the last abode 
of the Father of his Country. At this solemn signal, to 
which the military band accompanying us responded by 
plaintive strains, we went on deck, and the venerable soil 
of Mount Vernon was before us ; at this view an invol- 
untary and spontaneous movement made us kneel. We 
landed in boats and trod upon the ground so often worn 
by the feet of W^ashington. A carriage received General 
La Fayette, and the other visitors silently ascended the 
precipitous path which conducted to the solitary habita- 
tion of Mount Vernon. 

"Three nephews of G-eneral Washington took La 
Fayette, his son, and myself, to conduct us to the tomb 
of their uncle ; our numerous companions remained in 
the house ; in a few minutes after, the cannon of the fort, 
thundering anew, announced that La Fayette rendered 
homage to the ashes of Washington. Simple and mod- 
est as he was during life, the tomb of the citizen-hero is 
scarcely perceived amid the sombre cypresses by which 
it is surrounded. A vault slightly elevated and sodded 
over, a wooden door without inscriptions, some withered 
and some green garlands, indicate to the traveller who 
visits this spot the place where rest in peace the puissant 
arms which broke the chains of his country. As we ap- 
proached, the door was opened, La Fayette descended 
alone into the vault, and a few minutes after re-appeared 
with his eyes overflowing with tears. He took his son 
and me by the hand and led us into the tomb, where by 
a sign he indicated the coffin of his paternal friend, 
alongside of which was that of his companion in life, 
united to him in the grave. We knelt reverently near 
his coffin, which we respectfully saluted with our lips, 
and rising, threw ourselves into the arms of La Fayette, 
and mingled our tears with his." 



I 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 335 

On the 1st of January, 1825, a dinner was given to 
Greneral La Fayette by the members of both houses of 
Congress. The scene is thus described by one of the 
Washington papers : — 

''At half-past four o'clock the front rooms of William- 
son's buildings, now occupied by private families, were 
thrown open for the company, having been politely ten- 
dered for that purpose. In about half an hour after- 
wards the President of the United States entered the 
room accompanied by his secretaries. At half-past five 
General La Fayette arrived attended by his son, Mr. 
Cleorge Washington La Fayette, and his secretary, M. 
Levasseur ; and at six o'clock the company (which, in- 
cluding the invited guests, amounted to about two 
hundred) sat down to dinner. Mr. Gaillard, the presi- 
dent pro tern, of the Senate, and Mr. Clay, the speaker 
of the House of Representatives, presided. On the right 
of Mr. Gaillard sat the President of the United States, 
and on his left General La Fayette, supx)orted by his Revo- 
lutionary brethren. On the right of Mr. Clay sat the Sec- 
retary of State, and on his left the Secretary of War. 

'^ The hall was adorned with pictures and flags arranged 
with elegance and taste. The flags from the war and 
navy departments were obtained for the occasion, and 
contributed to revive in the mind associations dear to the 
heart of every American." 

Among many toasts we can only mention the one to 
the memory of Washington, and the following to La 
Fayette : — 

'' General La Fayette, the great apostle of rational lib- 
erty. Unawed by the frowns of tyranny, uninfluenced 
by the blandishments of wealth, and unseduced by pop- 
ular applause ; the same in the castle of Olmiitz, as in 
the active scenes of his labor and height of his renown." 



336 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

After this toast was drunk, General La Fayette rose 
and thus responded : — 

" Gextlemej^ of both Houses : I v/ant words to ex- 
press the respectful, grateful sense I have of all the 
favors and kindnesses you are pleased to confer upon me. 
I hope you will do justice to the warm feelings of an 
American heart, and I beg leave to propose the following 
toast : — 

^'•Perpetual union among the United States — it has 
saved us in our time of danger — it luill save the world'' 

This toast was received with the wildest enthusiasm, 
and after many others in behalf of the army, navy, peo- 
ple of America, free press, etc., the distinguished guests 
withdrew. 

On the first day of January, 1825, a joint committee 
of both Houses waited upon General La Fayette, and 
presented to him a copy of the following act of Congress 
concerning him : — 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America, in Congress assembled: — 

" That in consideration of the services and sacrifices of Gen- 
eral La Fayette in the War of the Revolution, the Secretary of 
the Treasury be, and he is hereby, authorized to pay to him the 
sum of two hundred thousand dollars, out of any money in the 
treasury not otherwise appropriated. 

" Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That there be granted to 
the said General La Fayette and his heirs one township of 
land; to be laid out and located under the authority of the 
President, on any of the unappropriated lands of the United 

States. 

" IL Clay, 
" Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

"John Gaillard, 
"President of the Senate, pro tempore. 
" Washington : Approved Dec. 28, 1824. 
"James ]\Ioxroe." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 337 

The address of the coiiimittee was as follows : — 

"G-eneral: We are a committee of the Senate and 
House of Representatives charged with the office of in- 
forming you of the passage of an act, a copy of which we 
now present. You will perceive from this act, sir, that 
the two Houses of Congress, aware of the large pecuniary 
as well as other sacrifices which your long and arduous de- 
votion to the cause of freedom has cost you, have deemed 
it their privilege to reimburse a portion of them, as having 
been incurred in part on account of the United States. 
The principles which have marked your character will 
not permit you to oppose any objection to the discharge 
of so much of the national obligation to you as admits of 
it. We are directed to express to you the confidence as 
well as request of the two Houses of Congress that you 
will, by an acquiescence in their wishes in this respect, 
add another to the many signal proofs you have afforded 
of your esteem for a people whose esteem for you can 
never cease until they have ceased to prize the liberty 
they enjoy, and to venerate the virtues by which it was 
acquired. We have only to subjoin an expression of our 
gratification in being the organs of this communication, 
and of the distinguished personal respect with which we 
are, 

^'Your obedient servants, 



" S. Smith, 

" Robb:rt Y. Hayne, 

" d. bouligny, 



' Committee of the 
C Senate. 



■W. S. Archer, ^ Committee of the 

S. Van Rensselaer, > House of 
• Philip S. Markly, ) Representatives. 



"Washington, Jan. 1, 1825." 



338 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

To this address of the committee the general returned 
the following answer : — 

" Washington, Jan. 1, 1825. 

"Gentlemex of the Committee of both Houses of 

coxgress : — 

" The immense and unexpected gift which, in addition 
to former and considerable bounties, it has pleased Con- 
gress to confer upon me calls for the warmest acknowl- 
edgments of an old American soldier and adopted son of 
the United States, two titles dearer to my heart than all 
the treasures in the world. 

" However proud I am of every sort of obligation re- 
ceived from the people of the United States, and their 
representatives in Congress, the large extent of this 
benefaction might have created in my mind feelings of 
hesitation, not inconsistent, I hope, with those of the 
most grateful reverence. But the so very kind resolu- 
tions of both Houses delivered by you, gentlemen, in 
terms of equal kindness, precludes all other sentiments 
except those of the lively and profound gratitude, of 
which, in respectfully accepting the munificent favor, I 
have the honor to beg you will be the organs. 

"Permit me, also, gentlemen, to join a tender of my 
affectionate personal thanks to the expression of the 
highest respect, with which I have the honor to be, your 
obedient servant, 

''La Fayette." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 339 



CHAPTER XII. 

Interesting Ceremony at Washington — Letter to Liberator Boli- 
var — Bolivar's Reply — Comments of the Niles Register upon 
the Departure of the Nation's Guest — Description of the 
Farewell Ceremonies — Parting Address of President Adams 
— General La Payette's Impressive Reply — Parting Scenes — 
The General escorted to the Potomac — Military Review — La 
Fayette embarks on a Steamer — Parting Salute — The Fleet 
pauses at Mount Vernon — La Fayette's Last View of Washing- 
ton's Tomb — La Fayette transferred to the Brand yioine — Fare- 
well in the Captain's Cabin — Comments of the Press upon La 
Fayette's Memorable Visit — A Belfast Journal — The Vermont 
North Star — A French Author's Address to the Youth of 
France — A Letter from Paris — La Fayette's Reception at 
Havre — Gift presented to the General by the Midshipmen of 
the Brand ij wine — La Fayette's Words of Thanks — Reception 
of General La Fayette at La Grange — The Edinburgh Observer 
Comments upon the Visit of La Fayette to America. 

" 'Tis liberty alone that gives the flower 
Of fleeting life its lustre and perfume ; 
And we are weeds without it." — Cowper. 

"AN interesting ceremony took place at Washing- 
■^-^ ton a day or two before the departure of the 
Nation's Guest. This was the presentation to the 
representative of the Columbian Eepublic certain pres- 
ents to be forwarded by him to Bolivar, the Liberator. 
The presents consisted of a medal of gold presented to 
Lady Washington by the city of Williamsburg, in honor 
of her illustrious husband, and also a portrait of General 
Washington, inclosing in the back of the picture a lock 



340 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

of tlie patriarch's hair. These gifts were presented by 
George Washington P. Custis, by the honored hands of 
the last of the generals of the army of North American 
independence — G-eneral La Fayette. The following is a 
translation of the letter written by General La Fayette 
to the president, Liberator Bolivar, which, together with 
a letter from George Washington Custis, accompanied 
the gifts.'' 

"President Liberator: My religious and filial de- 
votion to the memory of General Washington could not 
be better appreciated in his family than by the honor- 
able charge now bestowed upon me. While I recognize 
the perfect likeness of the portrait, I am happy to think 
that among all existing characters, and all those recorded 
in history, General Bolivar is the one to whom my pa- 
ternal friend would have preferred to offer it. What 
shall I say more to the great citizen whom South Amer- 
ica has hailed by the name of liberator, a name confirmed 
by both worlds, and Avho, possessing an influence equal 
to his disinterestedness, carries in his heart the love 
of liberty, without any exception, and of the republic, 
without any alloy ? However, I feel authorized by 
the public and recent testimonies of your kindness and 
esteem to present you with the personal congratula- 
tion of a veteran of our common cause, who, on the eve 
of his departure for another hemisphere, shall follow 
with his best wishes the glorious complement of your 
labors, and that solemn congress at Panama where will be 
consolidated and completed all the principles and all the 
interests of American independence, freedom, and policy. 

" Accept, President Liberator, the homage of my deep 
and respectful attachment. 

^ "La Fayette." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. .S41 

To which letter La Fayette subsequently received the 
following reply : — 

"Lima, March 10, 1820. 

" General : For the first time I behold the characters 
traced by the hand of the benefactor of the New World. 
I owe that happiness to Colonel Mesh, who has just 
handed me your honorable of the 13th October last. 

" It is with inexpressible pleasure that I learned from 
the public papers that you had had the goodness to 
honor me with a treasure from Mount Vernon. The 
likeness of Washington, and one of the monuments of 
his glory, are, it is said, to be presented to me by you in 
the name of the illustrious citizen's eldest son of liberty 
in the New World. How shall I express the value which 
my heart attaches to a testimony of esteem so glorious 
for me ? The family of Mount Vernon honor me be- 
yond my hopes ; for Washington, from the hands of 
La Fayette, is the most sublime recompense that man 
could desire. 

"Washington Avas the courageous protector of social 
reform, and you, sir, you are the heroic citizen, the 
champion of liberty, who served America with the one 
hand, and the Old World with the other. What mortal 
could suppose himself worthy of the honor with which 
you deign to overwhelm me ? Hence my confusion is 
in proportion with the extent of gratitude, which I offer 
to you with the respect and veneration which every man 
owes to the Nestor of liberty. 

" I am, with the greatest consideration, your respect- 
ful admirer, 

^'Bolivar." 

The Niles Register of September 3, 1825, says : — 
"General La Fayette will commence his return voy- 



342 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
age to Europe, by proceeding to the new and splendid 
frigate Brandyivine, on tlie Stli inst., which, now lies in 
the Potomac ; and millions of wishes will be offered up 
that he may have prosperous gales and pleasant weather, 
and a happy meeting with his friends, a long life of 
serenity and peace, and a triumphant exit from this 
world to that which is to come. Highly favored man — 
who hast thyself seen and felt all that grateful posterity 
can confer for imperishable deeds of virtue, farewell ! — 
and, if so it shall yet be that the evening of thy days 
and thy night of death are passed in this land of the 
free, every house will be open to receive thee, or every 
heart be engaged to invoke eternal blessings upon 
thee." 

From the same paper, dated September 10, we quote 
the following : — 

"La Fayette has departed. He left Washington on 
Wednesday last in the steamboat Mount Vernon, and in 
due season reached the new frigate Brandyimne lying at 
the mouth of the Potomac, which was also visited by the 
steamboat Constitutioyi, from Baltimore, with a large 
party of gentlemen. All was done that could be done 
to honor the Nation's Guest, and the people were not 
less zealous to show their affection for him on the day 
of his departure, than to press about him on that of his 
arrival among us more than a year ago. For some time 
past he had made his home with the President, from 
whom and all else he received every civility and kind- 
ness that it was possible, by those who loved him the 
more the better they knew him, to bestow upon him. 
We shall give some of the particulars of the ceremonies 
and proceedings that took place on the interesting occa- 
sion. The parting in the grand hall of the President's 
house filled with citizens and officers, on Wednesday 



THE K NIGHT OF LIBERTY. 343 

last, is described as one of the most sublime and affect- 
ing scenes that can be imagined. The President's ad- 
dress to him is a composition worthy of the occasion ; 
he delivered it with great emotion, yet with much dig- 
nity ; but hardly one was present who did not feel the 
tears moistening his eyes or trickling down his cheeks, 
and many will be in like manner affected even when 
they read it. La Fayette's reply is also eloquent and 
abounds with feeling. The silence of the grave pre- 
vailed while either was speaking. When the latter had 
ended he gave vent to his tears Avith embraces, and all 
partook of his emotions. 

"The last three weeks which the Nation's Guest 
spent in our happy land were exceedingly well appropri- 
ated. After witnessing the magnificent ceremony at 
Boston on the anniversary of the battle of Bunker 
Hill, he leisurely returned to the city of Washington, 
visiting many of his personal friends on the way, and 
reviewing the battle-field at Brandywine. 

"From the city of Washington he made delightful 
excursions into Virginia, in which it happened that 
three out of all the Presidents which we have had yet, 
reside as citizens/ 

" The last days of his visit were properly spent by La 
Fayette in the nation's house, on the invitation of its 
present possessor, the chief magistrate of the United 
States. Mr. Adams was in his early youth a favorite 
with the general, having much personal communication 
with him ; and of his disposition and ability to represent 
the hospitality and feeling of the millions of free people 
over whose affairs he presides there could not be a doubt. 
La Fayette was at home in the national house, in the 
city of Washington, and in the heart of a family which 
offered every inducement that can operate on the human 



344 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

mind to make him com^fortable : this was his abode till 
the moment of his departure to embark in the Brandy- 
wine, named in compliment to him, and peculiarly fitted 
for his accommodation — her 'giddy mast' bearing the 
stripes and the stars, her bosom to contain the person 
of our guest ; a man of whom it may be said, ' take him 
all in all, we ne'er shall look upon his like again,' unless 
he shall again visit our shores ; one who was the same, 
great and good, in prosperity and adversity — grateful 
for kind offices, forgiving of injuries, zealous to confer 
benefits, modest when on the pinnacle of human glory, 
dignified and collected in the proud presence of kings. 
But I must not proceed — if, after Mr. Adams' display 
of eloquence and power, he who commands words and 
they obey him, honestly confessed '■ a want of language 
to give utterance to his feelings ' — who among us may 
attempt it ? I shall, therefore, proceed to notice some 
of the things which happened at the departure of La 
Fayette, with this simple remark, that if there is any 
American who can read, unmoved, Mr. Adams' valedic- 
tory address to him, or the reply of the general to that 
address, I would not possess that man's heart for his 
fortune though he were a Croesus. 

" The 7th inst. was the day appointed for his depart- 
ure. The civil and military authorities and the whole 
people of Washington had prepared to honor it. The 
banks were closed and all business suspended, and 
nothing else engaged attention except the ceremonies 
prescribed for the occasion. 

^' At about twelve o'clock the authorities of Washing- 
ton, Georgetown, and Alexandria, the principal officers 
of the general government, civil, military, and naval, 
some members of Congress, and other respectable stran- 
gers were assembled in the President's house to take 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 345 

leave of La Fayette. He entered the great liall in 
silence, leaning on the marshal of the district and on 
the arm of one of the President's sons. Mr. Adams then 
with mnch dignity, but with evident emotion, addressed 
him in the following terms : — 

'•^Address of the President of the United States to General 
La Fayette, on taking leave of him at his departure^- 
■ on the 1th of September^ 1825. 

" ' General La Fayette : It has been the good fortune 
of many of my distinguished fellow-citizens, during the 
course of the year now elapsed, upon your arrival at 
their respective places of abode, to greet you with the 
welcome of the nation. The less pleasing task now 
devolves upon me, of bidding you, in the name of the 
nation, adieu. 

" ' It were no longer seasonable, and would be superflu- 
ous, to recapitulate the remarkable incidents of your 
early life — incidents which associated your name, for- 
tunes, and reputation in imperishable connection with 
the independence and history of the North American 
Union. 

" ' The part which you performed at that important 
juncture was marked Avith characters so peculiar, that, 
realizing the fairest fable of antiquity, its parallel could 
scarcely be found in the authentic records of human his- 
tory. 

" ' You deliberately and perseveringly preferred toil, 
danger, the endurance of every hardship, and the j)riva- 
tion of every comfort, in defence of a holy cause, to 
inglorious ease, and the allurements of rank, affluence, 
and unrestrained youth, at the most splendid and fasci- 
nating court of Europe. 

"'That this choice was not less wise than magnani- 



346 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
niouSj the sanction of half a century, and the gratulations 
of unnumbered voices, all unable to express the gratitude 
of the heart with Avhich your visit to this hemisphere 
has been welcomed, afford ample demonstration. 

"^When the contest of Freedom, to which you had 
repaired as a voluntary champion, had closed, by the 
complete triumph of her cause in this country of your 
adoption, you returned to fulfil the duties of the philan- 
thropist and patriot in the land of your nativity. There, 
in a consistent and undeviating career of forty years, 
you have maintained, through every vicissitude of 
alternate success and disappointment, the same glorious 
cause to which the first years of your active life had 
been devoted, — the improvement of the moral and polit- 
ical condition of man. 

" ' Throughout that long succession of time, the people 
of the United States, for whom and with whom you had 
fought the battles of liberty, have been living in the full 
possession of its fruits — one of the happiest among the 
family of nations. Spreading in population; enlarging 
in territory ; acting and suffering according to the condi- 
tion of their nature ; and laying the foundations of the 
greatest, and, we humbly hope, the most beneficent 
power that ever regulated the concerns of man upon 
earth. 

" ' In the lapse of forty years, the generation of men 
with whom you co-operated in the conflict of arms has 
nearly passed away. Of the general officers of the Amer- 
ican army in that war, you alone survive ; of the sages 
who guided our councils ; of the warriors who met the 
foe in the field or upon the waA^e, Avith the exception of 
a few, to whom unusual length of days has been allotted 
by Heaven, all now sleep with their fathers. A succeed- 
ing, and even a third, generation have arisen to take 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 347 

their places ; and tlieir children's children, while rising 
up to call them blessed, have been taught by them, as 
well as admonished by their own constant enjoyment of 
freedom, to include in every benison upon their fathers, 
the name of him who came from afar, with them, and in 
their cause to conquer or to fall. 

"'The universal prevalence of these sentiments was 
signally manifested by a resolution of Congress, repre- 
senting the whole people, and all the states of this Union, 
requesting the President of the United States to com- 
municate to you the assurances of grateful and affec- 
tionate attachment of this government and people, and 
desiring that a national ship might be employed at your 
convenience, for your passage to the borders of our 
country. 

" ' The invitation was transmitted to you by my venera- 
ble predecessor ; himself bound to you by the strongest 
ties of personal friendship ; himself one of those whom 
the highest honors of his country had rewarded for blood 
early shed in her cause, and for a long life of devotion 
to her welfare. By him the services of a national ship 
were placed at your disposal. Your delicacy preferred a 
more private conveyance, and a full year has elapsed since 
you landed upon our shores. It were scarcely an exag- 
geration to say that it has been to the people of the 
Union a year of uninterrupted festivity and enjoyment, 
inspired by your presence. You have traversed the 
twenty-four states of this great confederacy. You have 
been received with rapture by the survivors of your 
earliest companions in arms. You have been hailed as a 
long-absent parent by their children, the men and women 
of the present age ; and a rising generation, the hope of 
future time, in numbers surpassing the whole population 
of that day v/hen you fought at the head, and by the 



348 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
side of their forefathers, have vied with the scanty rem- 
nants of that liour of trial, in acclamations of joy at 
beholding the face of him whom they feel to be the 
common benefactor of all. You have heard the mingled 
voices of the past, the present, and the future age, join- 
ing in one universal chorus of delight at your approach ; 
and the shouts of unbidden thousands, which greeted 
your landing on the soil of freedom, have followed every 
step of your way, and still resound, like the rushing of 
many waters, from every corner of our land. 

" ' You are now about to return to the country of your 
birth, of your ancestors, of your posterity. The execu- 
tive government of the Union, stimulated by the same 
feeling which had prompted the Congress to the designa- 
tion of a national ship for your accommodation in com- 
ing hither, has destined the first service of a frigate 
recently launched at the metropolis, to the less welcome 
but equally distinguished trust, of conveying you home. 
The name of the ship has added one more memorial to 
distant regions and to future ages, of a stream already 
memorable at once in the story of your sufferings and 
of our independence. 

" ^ The ship is now prepared for your reception, and 
equipped for sea. From the moment of her departure, 
the prayers of millions will ascend to Heaven, that her 
passage may be prosperous, and your return to the bosom 
of your family as propitious to your happiness as your 
visit to this scene of your youthful glory has been to 
that of the American people. 

" ^ Go, then, our beloved friend ; return to the land of 
brilliant genius, of generous sentiment, of heroic valor ; 
to that beautiful France, the nursing mother of the 
twelfth Louis, and the fourth Henry ; to the native soil 
of Bayard and Coligni, of Turenne and Catinat, of Fen6- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 349 

Ion and d'Aguesseau. In that illustrious catalogue of 
names wliicli she claims as of her children, and with 
honest pride holds up to the admiration of other nations, 
the name of La Fayette has already for centuries been 
enrolled. And it shall henceforth burnish into brighter 
fame ; for if, in after days, a Frenchman shall be called 
to indicate the character of his nation by that of one 
individual during the age in which we live, the blood of 
lofty patriotism shall mantle in his cheek, the fire of 
conscious virtue shall sparkle in his eye, and he shall 
pronounce the name of La Fayette. Yet we, too, and 
our children, in life and after death, shall claim you 
for our own. You are ours by that more than patriotic -^ 
self-devotion with which you flew to the aid of our 
fathers at the crisis of their fate. 

" ' Ours by that long series of years in which you have 
cherished us in your regard. Ours by that unshaken 
sentiment of gratitude for your services which is a pre- 
cious portion of our inheritance. Ours by that tie of 
love, stronger than death, which has linked your name for 
the endless ages of time, with the name of Washington. 

" ^ At the painful moment of parting from you, we take 
comfort in the thought, that wherever you may be, to 
the last pulsation of your heart, our country will be ever 
present to your affections ; and a cheering consolation 
assures us that we are not called to sorrow most of all, 
that we shall see your face no more. We shall indulge 
the pleasing anticipation of beholding our friend again. 
In the meantime, speaking in the name of the whole 
people of the United States, and at a loss only for lan- 
guage to give utterance to that feeling of attachment 
with which the heart of the nation beats as the heart of 
one man — I bid you a reluctant and affectionate fare- 
well.' 



350 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

"' To which G-eneral La Fayette made the following an- 
swer : — 

" ' Amidst all my obligations to the general government, 
and particnlaiiy to yon, sir, its respected chief magis- 
trate, I have most thankfully to acknowledge the oppor- 
tunity given me, at this solemn and painful moment, to 
present the people of the United States with a parting 
tribute of profound, inexpressible gratitude. 

^' ' To have been, in the infant and critical days of these 
states, adopted by them as a favorite son, to have par- 
ticipated in the toils and perils of our unspotted struggle 
for independence, freedom, and equal rights, and in the 
foundation of the American era of a new social order, 
which has already pervaded this, and must for the dig- 
nity and happiness of mankind successfully pervade 
every part of the other hemisphere, to have received at 
every stage of the Revolution, and during forty years 
after that period, from the people of the United States 
and their representatives at home and abroad, continual 
marks of their confidence and kindness, has been the 
pride, the encouragement, the support of a long and 
eventful life. 

" 'But how could I find words to acknowledge that series 
of welcomes, those unbounded and universal displays of 
public affection, which have marked each step, each hour, 
of a twelve months' progress through the twenty-four 
states, and which, while they overwhelm my heart with 
grateful delight, have most satisfactorily evinced the 
concurrence of the people in the kind testimonies, in the 
immense favors bestowed on me by the several branches 
of their representatives, in every part and at the central 
seat of the confederacy. 

" ' Yet gratifications still higher awaited me : in the 
wonders of creation and improvement that have met my 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 351 

enchanted eye ; in the nnparalleled and self-felt happiness 
of the people, in their rapid prosperity and insnred se- 
curity, public and private, in a practice of good order, — 
the appendage of true freedom, — and a national good sense, 
— the final arbiter of all difficulties, — I have had proudly to 
recognize a result of the republican principles for which we 
have fought, and a glorious demonstration to the most 
timid and prejudiced minds of the superiority, over de- 
grading aristocracy or despotism, of popular institutions 
founded on the plain rights of man, and where the local 
rights of every section are preserved under a constitu- 
tional bond of union. The cherishing of that union be- 
tween the states, as it has been the farewell entreaty of 
our great paternal Washington, and will ever have the 
dying prayer of every American patriot, so it has become 
the sacred pledge of the emancipation of the world, an 
object in which I am happy to observe that the Ameri- 
can people, while they give the animating example of 
successful free institutions in return for an evil entailed 
upon them by Europe, and of which a liberal and en- 
lightened sense is everywhere more and more generally 
felt, show themselves every day more anxiously inter- 
ested. 

" ' And now, sir, how can I do justice to my deep and 
lively feelings for the assurances, most peculiarly valued, 
of your esteem and friendship ; for your so very kind 
references to old times, to my beloved associates, to 
the vicissitudes of my life ; for your affecting picture of 
the blessings poured by the several generations of the 
American people on the remaining days of a delighted 
veteran ; for your affectionate remarks on this sad hour 
of separation, on the country of my birth, full, I can say, 
of American sympathies ; on the hope so necessary to me 
of my seeing again the country that has deigned, near a 



352 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

half -century ago, to call me hers ? I shall content my- 
self, refraining from superfluous repetitions, at once, be- 
fore you, sir, and this respected circle, to proclaim my 
cordial confirmation of every one of the sentiments 
which I have had daily opportunities publicly to utter ; 
from the time when your venerable predecessor, my old 
brother in arms and friend, transmitted to me the honor- 
able invitation of Congress ; to this day, when you, my 
dear sir, whose friendly connection with me dates from 
your earliest youth, are going to consign me to the pro- 
tection, across the Atlantic, of the heroic national flag, on 
board the splendid ship, the name of which has been not 
the least flattering and kind among the numberless favors 
conferred upon me. 

" ' God bless you, sir, and all who surround us. God 
bless the American people, each of their states, and the 
federal government. Accept this patriotic farewell of 
an overflowing heart ; such will be its last throb when 
it ceases to beat.' " 

" As the last sentence was pronounced," says the Na- 
tional Intelligencer, "the general advanced, and, while 
the tears poured over his venerable cheeks, again took 
the President in his arms. He retired a few paces, but, 
overcome by his feelings, again returned, and uttering in 
broken accents, ' God bless you ! ' fell once more on the 
neck of Mr. Adams. It was a scene at once solemn and 
moving, as the sighs and stealing tears of many who 
witnessed it bore testimony. Having recovered his 
self-possession, the general stretched out his hands, and 
was, in a moment, surrounded by the greetings of the 
whole assembly, who pressed upon him, each eager to 
seize, perhaps for the last time, that beloved hand which 
was opened so freely for our aid, when aid was so pre- 
cious, and which grasped, with firm and undeviating hold. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 353 

the steel which so bravely helped to achieve our deliver- 
ance. The expression which now beamed from the 
face of this exalted man vv-as of the finest and most 
touching kind. The hero was lost in the father and the 
friend : dignity melted into subdued affection, and the 
friend of Washington seemed to linger with a mournful 
delight among the sons of his adopted country. A con- 
siderable period was then occupied in conversing with 
various individuals, while refreshments were presented 
to the company. The moment of departure at length 
arrived, and having once more pressed the hand of Mr. 
Adams, he entered the barouche accompanied by the 
secretaries of state, of the treasury, and of the navy." 

Another writer says : — 

'^The parting being over, the carriage of the general, 
preceded by the cavalry, the marine corps, and Captain 
Edwards' rifle corps, and followed by the carriages con- 
taining the corporate authorities of the cities, of the 
district, and numerous military and high civil officers of 
the government, moved forward, followed by the remain- 
ing military companies. In taking up the escort the 
whole column moved through the court in front of the 
President's mansion, and paid him the passing salute as 
he stood in front to receive it. The whole scene — the 
peals of artillery, the animating sound of numerous mili- 
tary bands, the presence of the vast concourse of people, 
and the occasion that assembled them — altogether pro- 
duced emotions not easily described, but which every 
American will readily conceive. 

"On reaching the bank of the Potomac, near where 
the Mount Vernon steam vessel was in waiting, all the 
carriages in the procession, except the general's, wheeled 
off, and the citizens in them assembled on foot around 
that of the general. The whole military body then 



354 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

passed him in review, as lie stood in the barouche of the 
President, attended by the secretaries of state, of the 
treasury, and of the navy. After the review, the general 
proceeded to the steam vessel, under a salute of artillery, 
surrounded by as many citizens, all eager to catch the 
last look, as could press on the large wharf ; and at four 
o'clock, this great and good and extraordinary man 
trod for the last time the soil of America, followed by 
the blessings of every patriotic heart that lives on it. 

" As the vessel moved off, and for a short time after, 
the deepest silence was observed by the whole of the 
vast multitude that lined the shore. The feeling that 
pervaded them was that of children bidding a final fare- 
well to a venerated parent. The crowd remained gazing 
after the retiring vessel, until she had passed Grreenleaf's 
Point, where another salute repeated the valedictory 
sounds of respect, and these again were, not long after, 
echoed by the heavy guns of Fort Washington, and 
reminded us of the rapidity with which this benefactor 
and friend of our country was borne from it. 

" The general was accompanied to the Brandywine by 
the Secretary of the Navy, the mayors of the three cities 
of the district, the commander-in-chief of the army, the 
generals of the militia of the district. Commodore Bain- 
bridge, Mr. Custis, of Arlington, and several other gentle- 
men." 

The trip to the Branclyivine, and the ceremonies on 
board of the frigate on the reception of the general, are 
thus described by one of the passengers in the steamboat 
Mount Vernon : — 

" The moment of separation arrived. The Mount Ver- 
non received her venerable freight, and the general, from 
the midst of the suite, whom the government had de- 
tailed as an escort of honor, waved his hand and bowed 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 355 

to the tlioiisaucls who thronged the shores, an affection- 
ate adieu. 

"Under the discharge of artillery, and the fervent 
benedictions of the vast assemblage who still lingered 
and looked, when they no longer spoke, a last farewell, 
the Mount Vernon proceeded on her way. 

"On passing Alexandria, the wharves and shipping 
were crowded with citizens and neighbors, all business 
was suspended, and the ^hum of men' was hushed in 
the respectful silence which pervaded this 'parting 
hour.' The general, uncovered, took the station which 
would place him nearest to his friends, where he could 
best give and best receive the salute of mutual attach- 
ment and esteem. So abstracted from ordinary consid- 
erations were the minds of all parties, that the steersman 
neared the town till the general became enveloped in the 
smoke of the cannon, which, however approx)riate to 
enemies, were nearer than is usual to friends. The boat, 
after passing, returned, and repassed the town, again and 
again producing the most enthusiastic expressions of 
affectionate farewell. The ramparts of Fort Washing- 
ton paid their honors, as the mansion, the groves, and 
the tomb of Mount Vernon opened to view. The prog- 
ress of the little fleet was arrested, that the last of 
the generals might pay his pious homage and filial duty 
to the tomb of the paternal chief. 

"La Fayette arose — the wonders which he had per- 
formed for a man of his age, in successfully accomplish- 
ing labors enough to have tested his meridian vigor, 
whose animation rather resembles the spring than the 
winter of life, now seemed unequal to the task he was 
about to perform, — to take a last look at the grave of 
Washington ! He advanced to the effort : a silence the 
most impressive reigned around, till the strains of sweet 



356 THi: LIFE OP LA FAYETTE, 

• 

and plaintive music completed tlie grandeur and sacred 
solemnity of the scene. All hearts beat in unison with 
the throbbings of the veteran's bosom, as he looked, 
and that for the last time, on the sepulchre which con- 
tains the ashes of the first of men. He spoke not, but 
appeared absorbed in the mighty recollections which the 
place and the occasion inspired. 

"After this noble scene, the fleet resumed its course, 
and, after a voyage of safety and expedition, anchored 
near the Brandywine the ensuing morning. The general 
was received in the commodore's barge, and repaired, 
through very inclement weather, to the gallant bark 
which is to bear him to his other home. He was placed 
on the deck of the ship by an ornamented chair, rigged 
for the special purpose, and under a salute from the 
main battery — the music of the band, and the greetings 
of the commodore, his officers, and many guests, who 
were assembled for this interesting event; but above 
all, by the warm embrace of the Revolutionary worthies, 
who had repaired to the ship to take another farewell of 
their beloved associate of the heroic time. After a 
sumptuous collation served in the captain's cabin, and a 
number of feeling and appropriate toasts, among which 
was the following by La Fayette : — 

" ' The national flag of the United States ; ever the 
pledge of glory ; on this day the rendezvous of friend- 
ship '; and by Mr. Custis, of Arlington : — 

" ' The Brandywine, which bears to his native land the 
last of the generals of the army of American independ- 
ence, and the great apostle of the rights of mankind. — 
May the winds of Heaven not visit her course too 
roughly, but Avith kindest breath swell the bosom of her 
sails, and the guardian genius that protects the just and 
good, be an ever-watchful Palinurus to guide her helm,' 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 357 

After which Colonel Bentalou, of Baltimore, offered the 
following toast : — 

"'The memory of General Washington — the military 
father and beloved friend of our nation's guest.' 

" This toast was drunk standing, and the final moment 
of separation having arrived, the last adieus were spoken. 

"The barges of the ship bore the sorrowing guests to 
their respective vessels, while the thunders of the superb 
Brandywine told to the echoes around the adieu to La 
Fayette." 

The day had been boisterous and rainy, but just as 
the affecting scene had closed, the sun burst forth in all 
his glory, as a propitious omen. 

The editor of the Irishman, a journal conducted at 
Belfast, in the issue of September, 1825, in commenting 
upon the proceedings at Washington on the occasion of 
the farewell to La Fayette, says : — 

"We this day give our readers one of the most inter- 
esting scenes which can be laid before the human mind, 
— the departure and farewell address of the greatest 
republic the world ever saw, to that veteran hero, whose 
sword was one of the first in the field to assert her free- 
dom. The address of Mr. Adams is a chaste and beauti- 
ful composition, — a triumphant recapitulation of the 
glories of liberty, — and the reply of the old soldier is 
characterized by all the fire of youth and wisdom of age. 
The Irishman feels no small pleasure in being the 
first journal to give these immortal productions to the 
people of Ireland." 

The North Star, printed at Danville, Vermont, says, 
regarding La Fayette's last act in America : — 

"We are informed that General La Fayette has ad- 
dressed a letter to General Fletcher, from on board the 
Bra^ulyivine, on the subject of the imprisonment of 



358 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

General William Barton, and inclosed a draft, with a 
request that the sum for which General Barton was con- 
fined should be paid. That request has been complied 
with, and General Barton was informed that he was no 
longer a prisoner. With what emotions of surprise and 
gratitude this intelligence was received by the valiant 
captor of Prescott can be better imagined than described. 
The scene was rendered more interesting by the pecu- 
liarly delicate manner in which the business was con- 
ducted and the fact announced by General Eletcher. 
All participated in the satisfaction which was expressed, 
that General Barton was at liberty to return to his 
family, after a separation of more than thirteen years." 

Mr. Kerate, a French author of a work entitled " Divine 
Worship," taking our reception of La Fayette as his stan- 
dard, addresses the French youth, and thus urges their 
ambition to fly to the succor of the Greeks : — 

" A man is at this moment traversing the continent of 
North America. The whole population crowds around 
him ; from the sources of the rivers, from the recesses of 
the forests, they flock to see him ; the maidens of the 
banks of the Ohio crown him with flowers ; the youths 
desire to behold him, to touch his garments; the old 
men to press his hand before they lose him. These 
marks of respect will be transmitted from generation to 
generation ; they will become family documents. At 
his approach the magistrates make room to receive him 
among them ; his presence diffuses joy in the cities ; he 
brings glory to the tombs of the brave; it might be 
thought that they had waited for him to begin their 
immortality ; he himself is loaded Avith benedictions and 
honors. What, then, has he done ? Is he a prince or a 
potentate ? No ! With the means at the command of a 
private man he assisted an oppressed nation. Young 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 359 

Frenchmen ! this is the picture you should have before 
your eyes : it is worthy of you." 

A letter from Paris, dated Sept. 7th, and published in 
one of the London papers, says : — 

" Our ministers are under a good deal of embarrass- 
ment in regard to the manner of receiving La Fayette, 
who, according to the accounts brought by the Edward 
Bonaffe, must soon arrive. The moment our ministers 
heard that the general was coming in the frigate Brandy- 
wine, they despatched orders to the authorities at Havre, 
to prevent any kind of meeting and every mark of 
honor which might be attempted to be bestowed upon 
him. On the other hand, the most respectable of the 
merchants and other inhabitants have resolved to ex- 
press their esteem for his character by every means in 
their power. The military commandant is a violent 
royalist, but the mayor is a good-natured, moderate man, 
who wishes to avoid every sort of tyrannical measures. 
The American frigate is another subject of embarrass- 
ment. It is usual, when a frigate enters the port, for 
her to salute the batteries with fifteen guns, but this 
salute must be returned by an equal number. Now, our 
government are afraid that, if they reply to the Ameri- 
can salute, the people will think they are expending 
powder in honor of La Fayette ; but if they do not agree 
to return, they will be obliged to let the frigate enter 
without saluting, for they well know that the American 
captain will not burn a match without an assurance of 
reciprocity." 

The editor of the Niles Register adds : — 

"The writer of the letter justly estimates the fact. 
Morris and his crew would rather fight the largest and 
the best-fitted frigate that ever belonged to France, than 
fire a salute but with the belief that it would be returned. 



360 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

gun for gun. The stripes and stars may be hauled down 
by a conqueror, but shall not be disgraced." 

The Niles Register for November says : — 

" La Fayette was received at Havre with the greatest 
enthusiasm. It does not appear that the government 
had taken any measures to prevent a favorable greeting 
of him. The Brandywine saluted the forts, which re- 
turned an equal number of guns. On the day of his 
disembarkation, the general proceeded to his country-seat, 
accompanied for two leagues by a numerous cavalcade, 
consisting of young men of the principal families of 
Havre and its neighborhood." 

When General La Fayette was about to leave the 
frigate Brandyioine, on her arrival at Havre, a farewell 
address was presented to him by the midshipmen at- 
tached to the ship. To this flattering attention General 
La Fayette thus verbally replied : — 

"My dear young Friends : I am unable to express my 
feelings towards you. Before I had the pleasure of your 
acquaintance I considered it an honor to belong to the 
United States navy: since then my knowledge of you 
as individuals has added to my admiration of the chiv- 
alry of your profession, and rendered sanguine my ex- 
pectations of its future achievements. Your country 
has reason to be proud of you; I part from you with 
regret : but should your duties or inclinations bring 3^ou 
again to France, remember that La Grange is the home 
of every American. Farewell ! " 

The Paris Gonstitutionnel of the 20th December, 1825, 
contained a circumstantial account of the reception of 
La Fayette at La Grange, after his return from his 
visit to America. The neighboring villages united in a 
public festival in his honor, notwithstanding strong ef- 
forts on the part of the municipal authorities to prevent 
rejoicing of any kind. 



I 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 3G1 

The following is a translation of one of the addresses 
delivered to the general by deputations, together with 
one of his answers. 

Address: "At length we again behold you, grown 
younger from the atmosphere of liberty which you 
have been breathing, and the spectacle of the happi- 
ness of a powerful and grateful people, which you have 
contemplated with delight. Like the Americans, we 
could wish to describe to you our love, pleasure, and 
admiration ; but these sentiments, agitating too strongly 
our hearts, deprive us of the power of so doing." 

To which the general replied : — 

"The affecting Avelcome which awaited me here, and 
the fresh testimonials of attachment which you lavish 
upon me to-day, fill up the measure of my joy in j&nding 
myself in the bosom of my family and in the midst of 
you, my dear friends and neighbors. During my jour- 
neys over the free and prosperous territories of the 
United States it was sweet to me to think that the 
voices of that excellent and admirable people would 
resound even as far as your abodes, and that you would 
enjoy them for me. 

"The enemies of the people's cause have cast it as a 
reproach upon me that, in expressing my sentiments at 
the American meetings, I thought also of you. They 
were right to believe this ; and, in fact, at the sight of 
the wonders of the public prosperity and private happi- 
ness which, in that immense country, are the fruits of 
liberty, equality, legal and national order, it would have 
been difficult for me to forget the wish I had ever cher- 
ished, that my French countrymen should exercise the 
same rights and obtain the same felicity. 

"You see me now restored to my retreat of La 
Grange, which is dear to me on so many accounts ; 



362 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

and to those agricultural employments of which you 
know me to be so fond, and which, for a long series of 
years, I shared with you, my neighbors, and the greater 
part of the friends who surround me. Your regard, 
fully reciprocated on my part, causes them to be more 
and more prized. Accept, I pray you, my thanks for 
the fine festival that you have prepared for me, and that 
fills my heart with delight and gratitude." 

More than six thousand persons were present at this 
joyous commemoration of the return of him whom they 
called the American Nation's Quest. The dancing was 
continued throughout the night, and the air was filled 
with cries of " Long live La Fayette ! " " Long live 
the friend of the people ! " On the following day the 
general received a number of distinguished visitors from 
Paris. 

The Edinburgh Observer thus comments upon this 
memorable visit of La Fayette to America : — 

"After a residence of nearly twelve months in the 
United States, General La Fayette has at last returned 
to Europe. Hitherto we have, somehow, abstained from 
saying a single word on the extraordinary spectacles by 
which his visit has been throughout distinguished. We 
have, like all mankind, been struck mute, as it were, by 
each successive gushing out of the spontaneous and un- 
purchased homage of ten millions of free people. We 
have stood by, in almost stupid wonder, while so many 
more than classic triumphs, so much higher than classic 
feelings, were performing and bursting around us, hardly 
knowing, indeed, whether we had to deal with the honest 
excitement of a real and gallant people, or were cheated 
by the solemn phantasies of a race of Bedlamites. It 
was not, in fact, till after the blinding pageant had passed 
away that we could bring ourselves to talk soberly either 



THE KNWHT OF LIBERTY. 363 

of its fitness or its reality. At last, however, the ques- 
tion does rush upon our minds : Why have all these 
things been ? How is it that for twelve long months we 
have heard of nothing but processions, feastings, and 
jubilees, among a people pre-eminent among all men for 
thrift, jealousy, and stubbornness ? What can this or 
any man have done, to turn upon himself the rejoicing 
lustre of so many millions of eyes, to call down blessings 
from so incalculable a host of uplifted hands, and to feel 
the honors and gratitude of a mighty people wafted to 
his bosom as by the voice of a single man ? What is it, 
in fact, that has swayed the hearts of these stout repub- 
licans throughout the twenty-four communities, that has 
hurried, all along that vast line, every woman from her 
distaff, and every infant from its cradle, to shout, on the 
steps of a total stranger to their blood, and has now 
melted so many jarring interests into one general prayer 
of regret, thankfulness, and safety? This is not any- 
thing like a venal sycophancy to dignity or riches or 
descent ; it is not the conventual homage of one great 
authority to another, nor can it be placed even among 
the reasonable but frigid trophies of a mere general 
merit. It is too stupendous, too immediate, too much 
akin to the burning ardor of children to a parent. It is 
a portion of the unbounded gratitude of a gallant people 
to the founder of their freedom. It is no mere temporary 
return of any present benefit, but a part of the perpetual 
worship owing to an author of their political existence. 
It is the homage of America to the JSTestor of the Revolu- 
tion. Her early warriors are now no more. Her Frank- 
lins and Washingtons have long since sunk, one after 
another, amid the tears of their people, into an illustrious 
tomb. One commander alone remains who fought at 
Flat-Bush, at Brandywine, and at Yorktown. What won- 



364: THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

cler, then, that the honors, and ahnost the merits, of the 
extinguished mighty should seem to concentrate around 
their sole surviving fellow ? Generation after genera- 
tion has sundered him from everything in America that 
could excite rivalry and add a sting to passion. He 
left them in a feverish and bloody infancy ; he has re- 
turned in their peaceful and majestic manhood. He left 
them worn, divided, and impoverished; he has found 
them strong, unanimous, and rich. He has come to see 
the grain quietly waving over the fields of slaughter ; to 
find their once vacant harbors crowded Avith a gallant 
navy ; their unsheltered beaches secured by impregnable 
works ; their swampy forests swarming Avitli a gay and 
growing population. And he can say, what no living 
leader can say with him, ' This is partly my work ; in the 
heart of a corrupted state I digested the manual of free- 
dom ; hemmed round by the blandishments of luxury, I 
preserved the spirit of independence ; I forsook the court 
for the sword ; I adopted danger for ease ; and here are 
my rewards ! ' It was the younger Scaliger, we believe, 
who would have preferred the honor of writing a single 
ode of Horace, to the empire of Germany, and he was 
right. But what are the honors of all the odes of all the 
Horaces that ever lived, to this pride of a patriot's bosom, 
to the outbursting of a nation's gratitude ? After all, 
there is much more in these things than the merit or the 
praise of any one person, or any one set of persons. It 
is not man individually, but man collectively, that is here 
chiefly concerned. These rewards and these deservings 
are, in fact, the recognition by Nature of her own nobility. 
They form the evidence which she bears to the eternity 
of her own character; they are the proud effusions of 
her thankfulness to the power which impressed that 
character upon her." 



THE KNIimT OF LIBERTY. 365 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Charles X. — La Fayette again elected to the Assembly — His 
Speech upon the Disposition of the Budget of 1826 — The 
Public Debt — The Civil List — Capital Punishment — Trials by 
Jury — A Pressing Political Question — The Possible Position of 
France — Expedition into Spain — Freedom of Worship — Sep- 
aration of Church and State — National Instruction — Internal 
Administration of France — Examination of the War Depart- 
ment — The French Navy — Banquet to General La Fayette by 
the Young Men of Auvergne — La Fayette's Letter to the Son 
of De Witt Clinton — La Fayette's Letter of Thanks to the Book- 
binders of Baltimore, upon the Reception of a Gift — Also his 
Letter to the Bookbinders of the Same City — The Artist David 
presents to Congress his Bust of General La Fayette — Descrip- 
tion of the Bust — La Fayette a Great-Grandfather — Address 
of General La Fayette at a Fourth of July Dinner in Paris — 
Speech of La Fayette in the Cliamber of Deputies — His Com- 
ments on England — Greece — Russia — Portugal — National Law 
— Algiers — La Fayette's Remarks on the Holy Alliance — His 
Tour through the French Provinces — Comments of the London 
Press — Letter from Paris — Journal of Commerce of Lyons — La 
Fayette's Reception at Lyons — Excursion on the River Saone — 
Banquet on the Borders of the Rlione, at the Salon Gayet — La 
Fayette's Response to the Toast — This Triumphal Journey occa- 
sions Chagrin among the Enemies of French Liberty — Their 
Spite upon some Officials — The People of the Commune com- 
mend the Deposed Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Vizelle — Testi- 
monials in their Honor. 

" Boundless intemperance 
In nature is a tyranny ; it hath been 
Th' untimely emptying of the happy throne, 
And fall of many kings." — Shakespeare. 

THE death of Louis XVIII. placed Charles X. on 
the throne of France. But nothing was to be hoped 



o6G THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

from him. He was a more tenacious upholder of the old 
tyrannical regime than his brother; indeed, he himself 
declared, "La Eayette and I are the only two men in 
France who have remained perfectly firm in their prin- 
ciples through the Kevolution." That was probably 
true ; but Ms principles were far removed from those of 
the liberty-loving La Fayette. 

La Fayette was again elected to the Assembly in 1827, 
and his declarations were as fearless, and his liberal 
measures as unpopular with the government as ever. 
As an illustration of La Fayette's views upon public 
affairs at that time, we quote the following speech of the 
marquis, on the subject of the final disposition of the 
budget of 1826, pronounced at the sitting of the Cham- 
ber of Deputies, of the 23d of June, 1828. 

" Gentlemen : When in compliance with the rules 
of this house, I announced my intention of addressing 
you on the concerns of a preceding year, I had not heard 
the reading of the report of your committee, which I 
consider a true model of that kind of labor ; but such is 
my conviction that the state of public accounts for for- 
mer years affords useful data to the discussion of a future 
budget, I will indulge a few remarks in addition to what 
has already been said on the subject. 

" I beg leave in the first place to call your attention to 
the state of our social organization, for I am undoubt- 
edly one of those who cannot forget that, by the revolu- 
tion of '89, a long series of oppressions, arising not only 
out of hereditary, sacerdotal, and judiciary privileges 
and institutions, but also from the prostitution of our 
commercial, agricultural, and domestic interests, have 
been erased from the codes of France. The seeds of 
improvement and public welfare, disseminated through 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 367 

almost every class of our countrymen, notwithstanding 
the baneful influence of persecutions, miseries, and des- 
})otisnis, have at last been brought to maturity. The 
return of peace cannot fail to have promoted their 
development, and the enjoyment of public liberty prom- 
ises successful and abundant harvest. But whilst nations 
advance, governments retrograde : and let us consider, 
gentlemen, what is our present situation. 

" A redundant luxuriance of ministerial bounties, rest- 
ing upon factitious administrations, which themselves 
are founded upon nothing ; a multitude of offices created 
for the sake of emolument, and emoluments for the sake 
of patronage ; every section of France sacrificed to a 
system of concentration, of which our metropolis, pros- 
perous in so many other respects, presents those deplora- 
ble contrasts which our honorable colleague, Mr. Charles 
Dupin, has lately introduced to your notice ; the precious 
lights of academies, of public lectures and learned 
schools, above all, of the polytechnic school, dazzling the 
eyes of a population, who, as some have just observed, 
are still denied the means of learning the first elements 
of reading, and in the midst of whom it is yet made a 
question whether it is proper that the people should be 
able to read ; in a word, an unexampled host of generals, 
staff officers, privileged bodies, foreign corps, but few 
soldiers and a nation, formerly one entire army, who for 
a long time conquered all Europe combined against her 
independence, but now disorganized and disarmed, as if 
a conquered people : with this state of things, can it be 
believed, gentlemen, that a few trifling amendments of 
committees, and some oratorical criticisms, will be ade- 
quate to the thorough reform of a social existence that 
might be called the inverse ratio of constitutional order ! 

"There is no bitterness in my observations, gentle- 



368 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

men; they are dictated f)y the conscience of a simple 
individual, and in the interest of those who, in under- 
taking to manage the affairs of a mighty nation, should 
at least use their endeavor to persuade the people that 
if they themselves had the power of managing their own 
concerns, they would not exercise it to greater advantage. 

" The j)i-^blic debt, enormously increased for the last 
fifteen years, the civil list, the crown revenue, the pen- 
sions of the royal family, are not within the limits of 
our control. Every debt is sacred, but some are yet in 
suspense. For example, whilst all the European powers 
were largely indemnified according to their pretensions 
(English claims even to three times the amount allowed 
to French creditors), had the United States shown some 
hostile feelings towards us, or had they merely asserted 
their claims in concert with the other powers, their 
demands would have been immediately liquidated. But 
they have never yet been adjusted, because that nation 
would not join the enemies of France, who were then to 
be found in her bosom, notwithstanding what has some- 
times been said at this tribune to the contrary. 

"With regard to the civil list, gentlemen, it might 
perhaps be desirable, both for its proper management 
and the personal comfort of the king, that the appropri- 
ations not included within the king's personal expenses 
should have been granted under the forms of accounta- 
bility adopted in the civil list of England. 

" The appropriation for the criminal judiciary depart- 
ment furnishes me another opportunity of again proffer- 
ing my warmest wishes for the abolition of capital 
punishment, which the uncertainty of human compre- 
hension renders so alarming, and which must particularly 
appall those generations who have so irretrievably suf- 
fered from the furies of parties ; and also for the abolish- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY, 369 

ment of branding, called for on all sides. May the 
minister at the head of the judiciary department affix 
his name to these two salutary measures ! 

"One of my honorable friends has adverted to the 
gratuitous magistracy of English justices of the peace. 
I do not envy this pretended benefit of our neighbors, 
and it is my opinion that those great proprietors are not 
the most proper persons to exercise a sovereign jurisdic- 
tion over all the petty offences committed within their 
department ; but I cheerfully concur in the unanimous 
voice for restoring the principle of temporary election in 
justices of the peace. 

" Nothing can be more gratifying to my feelings than 
to have heard, on the last discussion on trials by jury, 
the pledge that the propriety of extending the benefit of 
this institution to the transgressions of the press will 
be taken into consideration at the next session. 

" I cannot withhold my assent to the observations of 
the report on the w^hole of ministerial budgets. I had 
myself said at this tribune in 1819, ^ It would be highly 
beneficial that every ministry should inquire, with all 
conscientious severity, into what is necessary to the due 
performance of their duties, and should propose in all 
remaining details, terms as generous and complete as 
they please, for the security and comforts of those actu- 
ally in office, provided that ministers should be divested 
of all parasitical service, and children brought up to a 
more profitable labor than the industry of obtaining sit- 
uations, which is so detrimental to every kind of indus- 
try, and to the independence of a vast number of citizens.' 
The specification, — I mean the application, — which can 
never be too minute, of every appropriation to every 
item of expenditure, has already made some progress; 
but how profuse those specifications, beyond which there 



370 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
is ministerial exertion, when compared with English 

budgets, of which I now hold in my hand three depart- 
ments, — the artillery, war, and navy ; and yet this is not 
a cheajy government, to use an expression that has so 
often been charged upon me, and which I am so unwill- 
ing to deny. 

"The minister for foreign affairs has opened his 
career under the most critical circumstances ; his official 
duties will be dictated by the loyalty of his personal 
character. The great political question is now, to decide 
whether this government will continue to follow the 
track of old dix:>lomatic traditions, or whether, divested 
of all foreign influence and reminiscence, it Avill boldly 
assume the rank it behooves us to take at the head of 
European civilization ; a post which, in my opinion, has 
always remained vacant, notwithstanding appearances 
contradicted by facts ; a stand to which no foreign power 
any longer dares lay any claim. From that exalted sta- 
tion, France may and ought to resist coalitions in which 
none of her interests are involved. For my own part, I 
should have expected more satisfactory explanations and 
details before giving my assent to the late loan of eighty 
millions, but none would more readily consent to the 
measures necessary for the liberty and independence of 
Greece; to enable her by assistance to defend herself; 
to erect a barrier against the ambition of other powers ; 
to abolish the ignominious sale of fellow-beings, and 
rescue from slavery all those wretched victims of whom 
our interference has hitherto been inadequate to their 
deliverance ; and in this I should foresee the advantage 
of our commercial relations, which, in spite of narrow 
prejudices, will always find a benefit in extending to 
other people the blessings and comforts of education and 
liberty. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 371 

" France, so long accustomed to triumph over the 
most formidable coalitions, wonders at finding herself 
encumbered under petty manoeuvres, the mysteries of 
which she cannot unravel. 

" I will not mention our unfortunate and criminal ex- 
pedition into Spain, nor the cruel lessons given to des- 
potism, oppression, and aristocracy in the peninsula, the 
various and beautiful provinces of which are, I hope, 
destined to a better fate. But I must beg leave to call 
your attention to our enormous and foolish error with 
regard to the new American states. . . . What blind- 
ness, gentlemen, what complacency, can induce us obsti- 
nately to withhold our assent to the recognition of the 
South American republics, in return for insult, ingrati- 
tude, and bankruptcy ? The British government itself, 
it is true, although under the direction of an illustrious 
minister, hesitated a while before ado^^ting that step ; but 
it no sooner saw the immense advantages accruing to the 
United States, from the x^riority of that recognition, and 
a timely official declaration of protection and sympathy, 
than it hastened to associate itself in the honor and 
profit of their new relations. After long expectations, 
gentlemen, France is still reduced to those half-wa}? 
measures that create mistrust and discontent, whilst it 
is a well-known fact that French productions and manu- 
factures find a better nmrket in that extensive territory 
than those of all other nations. 

" Whilst the freedom of worship is guaranteed by the 
charter, and its equality sanctioned by our new morals 
and habits, it is unnecessary to remark that, even under 
the ancient regime. Catholic affairs never formed a spec- 
ial branch of the ministry. Amidst the attacks of the 
pretended supporters of the altar, I will also deprecate 
that cold fanaticism which endeavors to represent Chris- 



372 THE LIFE OF LA FA YETTE, 

• 
tianity, an institution originally founded on social equal- 
ity, as hostile to the rights and opinions of the people 
thus calling, as it were, for a sort of retaliating animad- 
version against opinions and practices that are totally 
distinct from worldly ambition. I will seek for the solu- 
tion of that inextricable dilemma of the duty of the 
priest, considered both as speaking in the name of Heaven, 
and as a pay officer of state ; but where shall I find it 
but in that country where religious freedom is more 
generally prevalent than in France, where the ministers 
of religion are more respected, and sectarians live in 
peace ; in that government where no rights and regula- 
tions can give umbrage, but where, being altogether 
foreign to and distinct from all civil institutions and 
form of government, religious societies are formed with- 
out restraint and choose their own ministers. 

" The separation of the ecclesiastical department from 
the ministry of public instruction, I consider as much an 
act of piety as of sound judgment. But too much has 
yet been left to the infringements of the Catholic clergy. 
It is not only a religion of the state, but also a very pre- 
vailing one still to be found in those ordinances which 
ought to have secluded its special dogmas within the 
walls of the church, and confined its distinction of creeds 
to the circle of private families. 

"National instruction, gentlemen, and especially ele- 
mentary education, that main-spring of public reason, of 
practical morality, of public peace and comfort, is at 
present the first want of the French population, as it is 
the first duty of government. You all know, gentle- 
men, how this duty is to be discharged. Methods of in- 
struction have heretofore been protected in an inverse 
ratio to their being perfect and easy. Neither your 
paltry vote of 50,000 francs, nor 500,000 francs, can be 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 373 

adequate to the redemption of that most important of 
all social obligations. Under a competent and legal sys- 
tem of public instruction, I would consider live millions 
as the most desirable approj)riation of a budget. 

" Many statesmen appear to have forgotten, — some per- 
haps have never been aware, — that by the law of the 3d 
Bru7naire, year IV., France was provided with the best 
system of instruction that ever existed in any country. 
It could not be consistent with that power which severed 
from the institute the class of moral and political 
sciences. Napoleon created the university, the monop- 
oly and exigencies of which wounded the feelings of pri- 
vate families and displeased the true friends of liberty, 
but which was afterwards indebted to the invasion of 
Jesuitism, a privilege of another kind, for the credit of 
being looked upon as a liberal institution. In order to 
satisfy all parties it would be necessary, at the next ses- 
sion, to offer a plan for the organization of public in- 
struction, wherein all the national duties of teaching 
should be strictly laid down, and all individual liberties 
respected ; but every plan of education, particularly in 
its elementary bearings, would require the co-operation 
of true civil administrations. 

"Why is it, gentlemen, that in utter contempt of the 
most solemn pledges, we have preserved for fourteen 
years the whole imperial structure of the internal admin- 
istration in France ? those factitious municipalities, 
those unsettled councils, those despotic and turbulent 
prefectures and sub-prefectures, which have never been 
amended except for successively adding to their incon- 
veniences, attributions, and apx)ointments ? When shall 
we see every section manage its own concerns, provide 
for all its own exigencies, and retain within its territory 
that portion of the taxes tha,t we are afterwards com- 



3T4 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

pelled to send back to it ? Is tins idea unknown in 
France ? But the constituent assembly, whatever has 
been said to the contrary at this tribune, had not 
only proclaimed useful and true doctrines ; it had also 
organized a system of administration elected by the 
citizens, and was abolished only by the consulate and by 
the empire. Is it replete with such great difficulties? 
But when in 1815, Napoleon, in a fit of liberalism, re- 
stored the municipalities in accordance with the law of 
'91, elections were made with remarkable celerity and 
moderation. The only embarrassment that could arise 
would be in the government, if instead of abiding by the 
dictates of eternal truth and of contemporary reason, it 
found it necessary to combine principle with exception, 
right with privilege, thereby perplexing and deluding 
the purest intentions. 

" I will follow the report of the committee in the ex- 
amination of the war department, merely with the view 
to support the proposition of placing in the civil list the 
payment of the king's military household. You have also 
heard on this subject the excellent discourse, to which my 
honorable friend. General Gerard, has given all the weight 
of his experience and of his glory. The minister of war, 
in offering observations that will be made the subject of 
future deliberations, has just expressed his desire of com- 
pleting our system of defence. Here, gentlemen, we natu- 
rally bring back to our memory the urgent call recently 
made by the ministry upon our patriotism to obtain the 
means necessary to a preserving polic}^, a respectable mili- 
tary strength, a guarantee of public tranquillity, a national 
dignity ; and to an union of the people with the govern- 
ment. The minister had before represented the nation 
rising in a body at the voice of their king. I will not 
attempt, gentlemen, the solution of the problem; the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 375 

knot has been untied by a celebrated writer whose au- 
thority is daily referred to. 

"The stationary National Guard, says an ordinance 
of the king, dated March, 1815, comprising a mass of 
three millions of landed and industrious proprietors, con- 
stitutes a local force extended on every point. . . . 

"From this formidable mass, whose dearest interests 
attach them to the soil, may be formed voluntary corps 
constituting movable columns. . . . 

"Thus the nation, fighting on every point with the 
army, either in the line or as auxiliaries, will prove that 
a great people cannot unwillingly be brought under the 
yoke that they have once shaken oft'. 

" Gentlemen, I will only remind the government that 
eight years ago, in the session of 1820, the ministers then 
acknowledged that they had been in possession, for eight 
months, of the project of a law drawn up by a special 
commission, and you all know how it has hitherto re- 
sulted. 

" The glory of the French navy has resounded in every 
heart. The name of Kavarino has been proclaimed with 
an unanimous concert by the throne and in the chamber, 
as it had been echoed by the whole nation ; the brave 
Admiral de Rigny is perfectly secure against the censure 
of a recall. The infamous traffic of human flesh has been 
partly suppressed, but it is not yet totally extinct. With 
an entire confidence in the sentiments of the minister of 
marine on these important questions, I submit to his 
wisdom the idea of placing the slave trade on the same 
footing as piracy, as the law of the United States has 
given the example, since followed by England. With 
regard to the management of our colonies, gentlemen, 
there is so much to say that I could not briefly enter on 
the subject. I will merely remark that the system of 



376 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

colonization of tlie ancients is, in my opinion, much 
preferable to that of modern times. 

^' In the law under consideration the minister of finance 
has undoubtedly surpassed all his colleagues ; but when 
a thorough discussion is about taking place, I do not feel 
sufficient confidence to anticipate the opinions that you 
will hear from colleagues more learned and more skilful 
than myself. I should even consider myself worthy of 
reproach, had I not made it a duty to offer some of my 
ideas, but especially to call at this tribune for more effect- 
ual social reforms than can possibly be achieved by way 
of amendments." 

La Fayette was constantly the recipient of attention 
and distinguished honors, both in America and in France. 
The young men of Auvergne gave him a splendid ban- 
quet on the 23d of June, 1828. The old general's toast 
was : '' To the assembled young men of the three de- 
partments of Auvergne, and to our dear mountains ; the 
volcanoes of these are extinct, but the sacred fire of 
liberty will never be extinguished among them." 

The marquis never forgot any of his friends, especially 
his American comrades, and his affection for the fathers 
was continued to the sons, as the subjoined letter to 
Charles A. Clinton, written to him by La Fayette upon 
receiving the news of the death of his father, De Witt 
Clinton, will demonstrate. 

" Paris, March 30, 1828. 

" My dear Sir : Your personal and friendly atten- 
tions to me make you a natural organ of the melancholy 
and affectionate feeling which I wish to be conveyed to 
the family of your lamented father. I regret the mourn- 
ful and unexpected event as an immense loss to the pub- 
lic, and a great personal cause of grief to me. l^>ound as 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY 377 

I was to the niamory of my two beloved Revolutionary 
companions, your grandfather and grand-uncle, I had 
found a peculiar gratification in the eminent talents and 
services of their son and nephew, and in his kind and 
liberal correspondence, until personal and grateful ac- 
quaintance had impressed me with all the feelings of 
a more intimate friendship. I beg you to be to your 
afflicted family the interpreter of my deep sympathies, 
and to believe me forever 

" Your most sincere friend, 

" La Fayette." 

At the celebration of the commencement of the Ohio 
and Baltimore Railroad, which occurred on the 4th of 
July, 1828, a pair of handsome morocco slippers, and a 
pair of beautiful white satin shoes were made by the 
cordwainers during the procession. The morocco slip- 
pers were presented to the venerable Carroll, on the 
ground; and the white satin shoes were subsequently 
transmitted to General La Fayette, together with the 
badges worn by the association. This compliment re- 
ceived the following reply : — 

" LagranCxE, Sept. 11, 1828. 
''Gentlemex : With affectionate feelings of pleasure, I 
have received your kind letter, the badge bearing a likeness 
of our matchless Washington, and of my excellent friend, 
the surviving signer of independence, the ensigns of your 
association as they were worn by your worthy president, 
and an elegant pair of ladies' white satin slippers, which 
were manufactured in the procession. For those gratify- 
ing marks of your remembrance and friendship, I beg 
you to accept my most grateful thanks. The anniver- 
sary of American independence, the commencement of 
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, have been happy asso- 



378 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

ciations. So I have seen, as it were, the commencement 
of your city in the first years of the Revolutionary strug- 
gle, of which this very clay is one of the (1777) anniver- 
saries, that of the battle of Brandywine ; and it has been 
lately to me a matter of proud delight to witness the im- 
mense progress of Baltimore, a great and rapid increase 
of Avhich we may now more than ever anticipate. Its 
happy effects upon every sort of trade and industry can- 
not be doubted, and I offer you the cordial congratulation 
and good wishes of your sincere and obliged friend," 

" La Fayette." 

The general also transmitted the following to the book- 
binders of the city, and to the editors of the American : — 

"Lagrange, Sept. 11, 1828. 
" To the book-binders of Baltimore. 
" Gentlemex : With a lively sense of gratitude, I have 
received your kind letter, and a copy of the apron and 
badge which on the late celebration, doubly dear to an 
American heart, were worn by the book-binders of Balti- 
more. Testimonies of your remembrance and affection are 
at all times highly gratifying to me, nor could they prove 
more welcome than on this momentous occasion, when 
the anniversary day of independence is hailed in com- 
mon with the commencement of one of its most promis- 
ing results, amidst the immense progress of every kind 
that has taken place since it has first been my happy lot 
to be admitted as a soldier of the United States, and par- 
ticularly as a citizen of Maryland. I am proud to have 
been enabled to show specimens of American book-bind- 
ing which every day excite European admiration. I beg 
you, gentlemen, to accept the respectful acknowledg- 
ments and affectionate good wishes of a veteran who 
would have been happy, in the procession, to have fol- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. :^79 

lowed his venerable friend, the surviving signer of the 
glorious declaration; and to have expressed to you, on 
that great day, the sentiments of his deep gratitude and 
warm attachment. La Fayette." 

" After other business during the second session of 
the twentieth Congress the Vice-President communicated 
a letter from the President of the United States, trans- 
mitting one received from Monsieur David, the artist, 
member of the Institute of France, j^rofessor of the 
School of Painting at Paris, and member of the Legion 
of Honor, who presents to Congress the bust of General 
La Fayette, which has been received with it." 

The following is a translated copy of the letter : — 

"Paris, Sept. 11, 1828. 

" To THE President : I have made a bust of La 
Fayette, and would willingly raise a statue to his honor 
— not for himself, because he has no need of it, but for 
ourselves, who approve in so lively a manner the desire 
of expressing to him the affectionate regard and admira- 
tion with which we are inspired. The youth of the 
French nation is filled with admiration for the virtues 
of the youth and the old age of him whose likeness I 
send you. 

"They envy the glory that was acquired upon the 
American soil, by the side of the immortal Washington, 
and the defence of your noble rights. 

"They envy that glory which has been acquired on 
the soil of France, in the midst of the troubles of Paris 
and of Versailles, where, in breasting the storm, he 
wanted courage as little in the struggles of debate as 
he did in contending with the sword. They envy the 
glory which covers the brow whitened by age, but still 
sparkling with the fire of liberty and of patriotism. 



380 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

"It is in the name of this youthful feeling of the 
French nation, ambitious to imitate everything generous 
and great, that I offer you a work upon which my hands 
have been employed for some time and with great care. 

"I could wish that it was more worthy of the subject 
— more worthy of the place which I am desirous to see 
it occupy. Yes, sir, I could wish that the bust of our 
brave general, of our illustrious deputy, should be ele- 
vated on a pedestal in the audience chamber of Congress, 
near the monument erected to Washington himself; that 
the son be placed by the side of the father, or, if you 
please, that the two brothers in arms, the two compan- 
ions in victory, the friends of order and of law, may be 
no more separated in our estimation than they were in 
their devotion to the cause of liberty and in the hour of 
peril. 

" La Fayette is one of the ties that unite the two 
worlds. He visited the new one to remain there for a 
few months, and to salute once more your sacred land of 
justice and equality, and has returned to us after having 
partaken of your feasts and received the honor and the 
benediction of your nation. 

" I hasten to render my homage in return — I present 
you with his image. It will be a memento that the 
original may often recall to the National Assembly those 
eternal principles upon which the independence of the 
state reposes, and which are the foundation of their 
safety. 

"I am, with profound respect, Mr. President, your 

very humble and obedient servant, 

" David, 

*• Member of the Institute of France, and professor in 
the School of Painting; member of the Legion of 
Honor." 




''a.«&. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 381 

The following is a description of the bust as given in 
the National Intelligencer :^ — 

" The bust is of a line white marble, and is the work of 
P. J. David, of D' Angers, in France. 

'^ It is of a size larger tlian the life, and exhibits a fine 
likeness of that distinguished apostle of liberty. On the 
front is ' Au general La Fayette,^ and the name and resi- 
dence of the artist, with the year (1828) of its execution. 
On the left side is an inscription, indented in the stone, 
in the following words : ' La Fayette's speech in the 
House of Representatives, Dec. 10, 1824. — What better 
pledge can be given of a persevering national love of 
liberty, when these blessings are evidently the results 
of a virtuous resistance of oppression, and institutions 
founded on the rights of man, and the republican opin- 
ion of self-government ? ' 

" On the right side is the following : — 

" ' La Fayette's last words in his answer to the Presi- 
dent's farewell speech, Washington, Sept. 7, 1825: God 
bless you, sir, and all who surround us. God bless the 
American people, and each of their states, and the fed- 
eral government. Accept this patriotic farewell of an 
overflowing heart ; and such will be its last throb when 
it ceases to beat.' " 

The New York American of December, 1828, says : — 

*' A letter from General La Fayette, of December 29, 
from Lagrange, tells us — and as he belongs to the 
nation, we may repeat — that Madame Perier (the eldest 
daughter of Mr. George La Fayette) has just made him 
^great-grandfather. The same letter says, 'I expect to 
be in town in a few days, and enjoy the agreeable Amer- 
ican society which has convened there from the several 
parts of the Union. It will be something like a Wash- 
ington winter.' " 



382 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

The following is the substance of G-eneral La Fay- 
ette's address at the Fourth of July dinner in Paris, in 
1829 : — 

" The health of their venerable guest, General La Fay- 
ette, having been given, the general in returning thanks, 
stated the pleasure which he felt in celebrating this 
anniversary, which enabled him, as it were, again to 
breathe the American atmosphere. He spoke with high 
gratification of their associating him with the principles 
for which he had struggled under the illustrious and 
well-beloved Washington. The independence of the 
United States began a new era of political civilization, 
which will finally extend over the whole world, and 
which is founded on the natural rights of mankind. 
He was proud to own that the first declaration of those 
rights bore the indelible imprint of its American origin. 
He referred in eloquent terms to the delight with which 
all generous minds had hailed the recent triumph in 
Great Britain over religious intolerance, and earnestly 
advised the Americans in consolidating their constitu- 
tion not to listen to European suggestions, nor admit any 
exotic materials. He concluded by giving a toast to 
'National Legitimacy,' which, while it choked and de- 
stroyed the weeds of privilege, nourished the roots of 
natural and solid right." 

In 1829 General La Fayette came into possession of a 
large property under the indemnity law, being the for- 
tune of his own and his wife's family, of which the Eev- 
olution had deprived them. 

We will quote from one more speech of La Fayette, in 
the French Chamber of Deputies, on the 9th of July, 
1829. The question under discussion was the accord- 
ance of an eventual credit of fifty-two millions of francs. 

"Gentlemen," said La Fayette, "though I have voted 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 383 

against approving the budget of expenses, in the hope 
that its refusal wouhl prove a prompt and efficacious 
means of obtaining those institutions and economies 
which France has for so long a time expected, yet I 
feel disposed to vote in favor of the credits demanded, 
provided the chamber receives those explanations which 
it stands so much in need of. I do not see in the great 
quarrel of the east, as regards ourselves, anything be- 
yond our importance as an intermediate power in what 
is called the balance of Europe ; only two classes, 
the oppressors and the oppressed ; in the demarkation of 
states, nothing but their natural limits ; in the well-be- 
ing of a people, nothing but the advantage of all ; and in 
the policy of France, nothing but a liberal and independ- 
ent part to act. You know, gentlemen, that great and 
poAverful alliance which would enslave and brutalize the 
human family. It covers the peninsula with blood, op- 
presses Italy, and throws other states into disorder. 
Vienna is its metropolis, and in spite of other preten- 
sions, Don Miguel is its ideal type. 

"England has pretended to favor the world with 
another beacon, whose light is sometimes extinguished, 
and at other times shines but to decoy ; upon this point 
inquire of Italy, of Spain, and of Portugal. It is for 
France then, gentlemen, which finds herself more in 
accord with our ideas of the new civilization, to place 
herself at the head of that civilization ; in that consists 
her glory and her interest ; there, too, in case of need, 
will be found her ambition ; and there, also, the dignity 
and the safety of her government. But to perform that 
noble task it is necessary that the government resolve 
no longer to fear either a representative or an armed 
nation, and that abandoning its former relations, it may 
be able to say to foreign powers, 'Next to God, it is to 



384 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

the people of Erance that I am indebted for being ele- 
vated, above your influence and beyond your preten- 
sions.' 

" I will confine myself, gentlemen, to a few remarks 
on the grounds to which our attention has been invited 
by the application made for the credits now under con- 
sideration. 

" Some of my honorable friends have spoken harshly 
of the expedition to the Morea ; they have even thought 
that it was in no degree whatever entitled to public 
approbation ; but I have so ardently desired some kind 
of interference, particularly French interposition, in be- 
half of Greece, that I cannot join them in their criti- 
cisms, and as to our portion of that generosity which 
was manifested in the relief afforded, without speaking 
of. Russia, Avhose motives are obvious, it would be suf- 
ficient to advert to two discourses from the throne, in one 
of which the battle of Navarino is called by Charles X. 
glorious, while from George IV. it received the appel- 
lation of untoward, to prevent us from confounding the 
shades of the two interests in the cause of Greece, and 
to mark the distinction between the cannonading at 
Terceira and the hospitality at Brest. The last protocol, 
however, from London has humbled my pride and dimin- 
ished my expectations. 

"Why, gentlemen, have the Greeks taken u^^ arms? 
why have they endured so many calamities ? why have 
they so freely shed their blood ? It Avas to free them- 
selves from paying tribute to the Turks ; to build up 
again their ancient country ; and to enjoy in their own 
way the blessings of self-government. But now, gentle- 
men, the protocol brings into fresh existence the odious 
tribute ; the greatest part of Greece is shut out from 
Greece, and to govern the small portion Avhich remains 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 385. 

it is proposed to look, I know not where, or for whom, 
but for some foreign prince, a hospodar, a mongrel of 
the East and of the West, in whom the Greeks will only 
behold a vassal of the Porte, and for whom they must 
pay an additional tribute. 

" All this, gentlemen, may be very agreeable to Eussia, 
which dreams already of new subjects there ; and to Eng- 
land, which has always feared that in that country she 
would find rivals in the coasting trade ; but not to 
France, whose interest it is to have there a friendly and 
powerful nation, a barrier against the conquering and 
commercial ambition of other powers. Upon that topic 
it is that we look for explanations. The government of 
Italy is enslaved by the influence of Austria. Italy, were 
she free, would be our friend. Spain, whose methods of 
justice consist in strangling by turns the patriots and 
the Carlists, will never, in truth, be our ally until she 
again becomes constitutional. 

"As to Portugal, it is in vain that the English govern- 
ment has lately sought to balance the mock sovereignty 
of the cortes of Miguel against those institutions which 
the British ambassador, let it be said, by the by, had 
imported for it from Brazil. 

"Gentlemen, the partisans of national laws cannot 
accept this concession ; there is no legitimacy there 
where nothing can be found but a despotic violation of 
all rights, social as well as natural. Besides, we do not 
know in what manner these pretended cortes have been 
formed, and how the deputies, who were not of Miguel's 
choice, were rejected. Let us hope, gentlemen, that pub- 
lic indignation, and the stupid attacks which have been 
lately made on the flags of other nations, will soon put 
an end to this infamous usurpation, and that in the mean 
time France will ever protest against the horrid expe- 



386 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
client which would deliver up a young and innocent vic- 
tim to the brutality of Don Miguel. I will not deny, 
gentlemen, that there have been troubles in South Amer- 
ica and in Mexico, and that perhaps they yet exist there. 
Their troubles, however, have been exaggerated. I at- 
tribute them principally to two causes: to the threats, 
the impotent threats, of Spain, which lead to the perma- 
nence of disproportioned armies and the agitation of 
their leaders ; the other cause is to be found in European 
intriguers, who persevere in obstinately attempting to 
introduce their old institutions into these new states. 
Put a period to the two causes, and the tranquillity of 
commerce will be immediately restored. 

" The minister of commerce observed a few days since 
that there was nothing in common between diplomatic 
relations and commercial interests in these countries, I 
have, however, in my possession a Mexican Gazette, con- 
taining a decree by which the productions of states that 
shall not have recognized the republic in the course of 
the present year shall be subjected to an additional duty, 
whilst those which shall send, during the year 1829, dip- 
lomatic agents to that country, shall be treated more 
favorably. It is time, gentlemen, that the government 
should at length yield to the commercial views of France. 

"As regards Algiers, I will leave that question to one 
of my honorable friends, who is better acquainted with 
it than myself ; but I cannot forbear referring to a more 
serious attack on the national honor than that of the dey 
of Algiers throwing his fan. I allude to what has passed 
lately relative to the expulsion of Galloti. The deliver- 
ing up of an alien for political causes has been unani- 
mously reprobated in every age and by every coimtry. 
Eminent jurisconsults have assured me that the laws of 
our country have been violated by the expulsion of that 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 387 

individual. I am willing, however, to admit that there 
has been, on the part of French agents, error and precip- 
itancy, and consequently, as I doubt not, repentance. 
There has, however, been deception somewhere, and vio- 
lence has been offered to the honor of France. Highway 
robbery and judgments in this case have been referred 
to; but are you ignorant of what judgments are, or of 
what they may be under absolute governments ? 

" Suppose, for example, Don Miguel were to say : 
' Behold the man who has in the palace of the king assas- 
sinated, with his own hand, the Marquis of Loul^, the 
best friend of my father! Give him up to me that I 
may punish him for the crime.' Would the accusation 
be believed ? 

" In a word, gentlemen, the honor of France has been 
outraged; justice must be done; Galloti must be de- 
manded; the demand must be enforced; he must be 
restored to the soil of France, and the national honor 
must in some way receive signal reparation. 

"I will conclude, gentlemen, by observing that the 
explanations which the discussions may produce shall 
decide my vote." 

At a sitting of the Chamber of Deputies General La 
Fayette made the following remarks on the " Holy Alli- 
ance " : — 

" There was a vast and powerful league which desired 
to command and brutalize the human species. It has 
oppressed Italy, devastated the peninsula, and had dis- 
turbed other states. Its chief seat is Vienna, and Don 
Miguel its ideal type. England has pretended to set up 
another system, but it was only to lure states to their 
ruin. It was the business of France to place herself at 
the head of civilization — her glory, her interest, and her 
ambition to require it ; but to fulfil this noble destiny it 



388 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

was necessary that the government shonkl determine not 
to fear either a nation represented or a nation armed, 
and, renouncing all connections, it should say to foreign 
powers, ' After God, it is to the French people that I am 
indebted for being placed above your influence and be- 
yond your pretensions.' " 

During 1829 General La Fayette made a tour through 
some of the French provinces, and his reception by the 
people appears to have rivalled the enthusiasm dis- 
played in his honor in the United States. One London 
paper says : — 

" Never was a king so feasted and treated as this ven- 
erable remnant of the Revolution has been. In every 
quarter he has been received with shouts of triumph and 
congratulatory addresses, which, while they have been 
complimentary to him, have generally, also, been made 
the vehicle for strong philippics against the new order of 
things. From Grenoble to Lyons the road was thronged 
by continual crowds of people who came to testify their 
regard for the priDciples which had guided his political 
conduct, and the esteem which they entertained towards 
himself personally." 

The Times observes : " The old general, from his early 
services in the cause of liberty, — from his immense sac- 
rifices for his country, — from his intrepid consistency 
of character during a political career of forty years, dur- 
ing which the world turned around him or changed its 
principles several times, while he remained unchanged, 
is deservedly an object of great esteem and admiration. 
But why is he brought forward, or why does he make 
himself prominent on this occasion, type as he is of the 
Revolution ? And why, Avhen he does appear, is he so 
enthusiastically received ? For no other reason but be- 
cause the king has made choice of what is considered a 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 389 

counter-revolutionary cabinet, and because the people are 
desirous of evincing their adherence to the free institu- 
tions which they think at present threatened, by testi- 
fying their grateful admiration for one of the founders 
and champions of their freedom. Every shout of ap- 
plause thus uttered for General La Fayette is a shout 
of defiance against the ministers ; and every libation 
poured to his health is a kind offering to the memory 
of past struggles for liberty. The repetition of such 
scenes would have been thought impossible about two 
months ago." 

The following description of General La Fayette's 
reception at Lyons is taken from an extract of a letter 
dated Paris, Sept. 16, 1829: — 

" General La Fayette has paid a visit this summer to 
his birthplace in Auvergne, and has been received on his 
passage in a manner worthy of his noble virtues, public 
as well as private. From his arrival at Chavaniac until 
his entry at Lyons, in every town and village through 
which he passed, he has witnessed the spontaneous hom- 
age of the patriotism of their inhabitants. The popula- 
tion of villages far distant from the road he travelled 
precipitated themselves before him on his passage, and 
the inhabitants of the cities through which he passed 
presented themselves en masse to welcome him within 
their walls. In spite of the orders sent by the ministry 
at Paris to the departmental authorities, to endeavor to 
suppress as much as was in their power the preparations 
made to receive the general, his triumphal march since he 
left La Grange, from the borders of the river Manche, to 
the foot of the Alps, has no other example in history, ex- 
cepting his visit to the United States. Escorted from 
city to city by large cavalcades of horsemen, through 
arches of triumph prepared for the occasion on the high 



390 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
roads, saluted continually with enthusiasm by assembled 

multitudes, the thoughts of the veteran defender of 

liberty were often diverted to his brilliant reception in 

a distant hemisphere, whose liberties are as dear to him 

as those of his native country." 

The Frecarseur and Journal of Commerce of Lyons 
says : — 

" The general arrived from Vienne on Friday, the 4th 
of September, escorted by one hundred and fifty horse- 
men. His arrival had been impatiently expected by the 
inhabitants of Lyons, and on reaching St. Synphoria, the 
deputation named to receive him were found waiting 
with a large cavalcade of horsemen and carriages, and a 
numerous assemblage of people who accompanied him to 
Lyons. At St. Synphoria the general descended from 
his carriage and was addressed by M. Prunelle, presi- 
dent of the deputation, who welcomed him on the part 
of the inhabitants of Lyons to this city ; to which the 
general replied, in retracing the kindness with which he 
had been received at his last visit to that city before the 
Revolution in 1789, and expressing his gratitude for the 
flattering manner in which he was again received. He 
then ascended into an open barouche drawn by four horses, 
and conducted by two postilions, which were placed at 
his disposition by the deputation, and the procession 
proceeded to Lyons in the following order : — 

" 1st. A detachment of 400 horsemen, composed of 
young men from Yienne and Lyons. 

" 2d. The carriage with the deputation from the latter 
city. 

" 3d. The barouche containing the general, Mr. George 
La Fayette, and the president, M. Prunelle, surrounded 
by a cohort of citizens on foot. 

'' 4th, The private carriages of the general, containing 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 391 

the Misses La Fayette, Mr. Adolphe Perrier, Mr. Brad- 
ford, United vStates consul, and tlie Count de Lasteyrie. 

"5th. The carriages of the committee of arrangements. 

"A line of private carriages then followed, and so 
great were they in number, that on the arrival of the 
head of the procession at the bridge Charles X. at Lyons, 
the last of the carriages had but just reached the extrem- 
ity of the long Faubourg de la Gulloti^re, nearly two 
miles distant. The spectacle which presented itself on 
the entry of the general into the city was of the most 
magnihcent description. An immense population, esti- 
mated at 70,000 persons, lined the bridge and streets 
through which the cortege moved, and the reiterated cries 
of ' Vive La Fayette,'' and continued manifestation of 
public joy, which filled the air during his passage to the 
H6tel du Nord, where a suite of apartments had been 
prepared for him, were gratifying proofs on the part of 
the enthusiastic population of Lyons, of the love and 
admiration for the noble character and patriotism of 
their illustrious guest. In the evening after his arrival 
an orchestra of one hundred and twenty musicians sere- 
naded under his windows, and the hotel was surrounded 
until a late hour by crowds of the curious, anxious to be- 
hold the countenance of the prisoner of Olmiitz and the 
ardent defender of the liberties of France. 

"On the following day a splendid excursion on the 
river Saone, composed of about thirty boats of various 
descriptions, elegantly decorated, and some of them bear- 
ing the banners of France and of the United States, 
was prepared for the general, who embarked with his 
suite at twelve o'clock, greeted by the cheers of the im- 
mense assemblage of people who lined the borders of the 
river. On the arrival of the procession at the Isle Barbe, 
a salute was fired from the chateau of the island, whence. 



392 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

« 
after a short stay, the general returned to Lyons in time 
to attend the dinner offered him and Mr. George La 
Fayette by the different lodges of freemasons of that 
city. 

" On Monday the 7th inst. the grand banquet given in 
honor of the general took place at the magnificent salon 
G-ayet, situated on the borders of the Rhone. The rooms 
were elegantly dressed with festoons, and at one end 
were seen the portraits of Washington and Franklin, and 
the bust of the distinguished guest crowned with a 
wreath of laurels. On his arrival at four o'clock, he was 
received with unanimous and reiterated cries of ' Vive La 
Fayette!^ Five hundred of the inhabitants of Lyons, 
the Hite of that city, sat down to a sumptuous dinner 
prepared for the occasion, at which presided M. Pru- 
nelle, assisted by thirty members of the committee of 
arrangements. 

" At the dessert the following toasts were given : — 
" 1. By the president — The King of France. 
" 2. ' General La Fayette — other warriors have been 
victorious in battle, and other orators have pronounced 
eloquent discourses ; but none have equalled him in civic 
virtues.' 

" General La Fayette then rose and said : — 
" ' You have been witnesses, gentlemen, of the marks of 
affection and confidence with which the population of 
Lyons has deigned to receive me within their walls ; you 
yourselves have participated in that kind reception in a 
manner so flattering, and I am surrounded at this patri- 
otic banquet by objects of such interesting associations, 
that it would be superfluous, and above all impossible, to 
express to you my feelings at this moment ; the remainder 
of my life, gentlemen, Avill be consecrated to them. I am 
proud and happy that my visit here has furnished an- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 393 

other occasion to your city to express its constant hatred 
of oppression, its love for true liberty, and its determi- 
nation to resist every attempt of the incorrigible contre- 
revolution.' The general then spoke of the privileges 
granted to the people by the constitution ; their rights of 
being tried by jury, and of elections, and of the censorship 
of the press; and after having paid a just tribute to the 
noble and patriotic attitude that the National G-uard of 
Lyons took at the important epoch of 181/5, he took occa- 
sion to examine the position of the Polignac ministry, 
and the violent measures which it threatens against the 
liberties of France. 'We are menaced,' said he, 'by 
hostile projects; but how will they be effected? Will 
they succeed by means of the Chamber of Deputies ? My 
honorable friend and colleague, M. Couderc, now at my 
side, and every one of my colleagues who are now seated 
at this banquet, will attest that in the moment of danger 
the Chamber of Deputies will show itself faithful to patri- 
otism and honor. Is it proposed to dissolve the Chamber ? 
If so, it will then be the business of the electors of France, 
who certainly will return only deputies worthy of them- 
selves and of the nation. 

"'Is it contemplated to vitiate the elections by more 
ordinances, and thus exercise illegal power? Let the 
partisans of such measures remember that the force of 
every government exists only in the arms and in the 
purses of the individuals composing the nation. The 
French nation knows its rights, and knows, likewise, how 
to defend them. Let us hope, however, gentlemen, that 
the plots against the liberties of the people are merely 
visionary, and, in the mean time, accept from me the fol- 
lowing toast : — 

" ' The department of the Rhone, and the city of Lyons 
— the ancient metropolis of industry, and the courageous 



394 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

enemy of oppression. May its liberty, its dignity, and 
its prosperity be solidly founded on the full enjoyment 
of those social and natural rights which it has ever de- 
fended.'" 

One hundred thousand copies of a pamphlet, contain- 
ing an account of La Fayette's late triumphal journey 
were published. 

But this triumphal journey occasioned much chagrin 
among the enemies of French liberty, and the govern- 
ment, already growing more and more hostile to friends 
of liberty, took petty spite upon some of their officials, as 
the following will show. 

The Paris Coristitutional announced that " the min- 
ister of the interior has deposed the mayor and deputy- 
mayor of Vizille from their functions : the former, for 
having congratulated General La Fayette, upon his arrival 
in that town ; and the latter, for having appeared on horse- 
back when he entered." 

Another French paper says : — 

"We stated yesterday the deposition of a mayor for 
having joined in the honors to La Fayette. We now add 
the proceedings to which this intended disgrace gave rise. 
^The intelligence of this event,' says the Frecurseur of 
Lyons, 'inspired the inhabitants of the commune with 
the greatest indignation, not being able to conceive why 
peaceful citizens may not, without crime, honor one of 
the worthiest public men of the nation. The whole pop- 
ulation assembled spontaneously in the public square ; 
there each one expressed his regrets, and recalled with 
delight the useful and honorable acts of the displaced 
magistrates. Thence they proceeded to the office of the 
mayor, where these functionaries still were, and there 
Mr. Romain Peyron thus spoke, in the name of his fellow- 
citizens : — ^ 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 395 

" ^ Mr. Mayor and Mr. Deputy : The inhabitants of 
this commune have learned with the greatest pain that, by 
a decree of the minister of the interior, you were deprived 
of the functions you have discharged with so much zeal, 
and in which you have so justly acquired the confidence 
and esteem of those whom you had to serve. The mo- 
tives which have afforded the new ministry a pretext for 
this act are too honorable to be made a cause for com- 
plaint! You are, gentlemen, the first citizens stripped 
of their official functions for having taken part in the 
honors paid to General La Fayette ! Let us not envy the 
enemies of the public liberties this poor satisfaction 
while all France is still echoing with the acclamations 
which everywhere burst forth upon the passage of this 
great citizen, and especially in the second city of the 
kingdom ! 

" ' The general who was the object of this enthusiasm 
will live in history, in spite of the calumnies of ])arty 
men! The people will always recollect that he was, at 
that time, the zealous defender of legal liberty, which, 
among us, includes attachment to constitutional mon- 
archy ; that, on the 5th and 6th of October, he twice 
saved the lives of the royal family ; that, previously to 
the 10th of August, he sacrificed his popularity in order 
to snatch Louis XVI. from the dangers that threatened 
him ; and that, ]3roscribed for his energetic protest at 
the bar of the Legislative Assembly, and arrested in a 
neutral country, he expiated, in the dungeons of Austria, 
the crime of halving always faithfully observed the line 
of duty ! 

" ' You, gentlemen, you too, fulfilled a duty, in not 
separating yourselves from all these under your care, in 
those imposing circumstances when the presence of our 
magistrates, as the organs of our unanimous sentiments, 



39(5 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
added a new value to their manifestation, and ensured 
tranquillity and good order in the midst of our rejoicings. 

" ' Receive, therefore, the expression of our thanks and 
of our regret.' " 

These testimonies of the esteem of their fellow-citizens 
abundantly compensated for the vengeance of the min- 
isters. 

The prefect of the department, having designated M. 
Buscaillon as provisional mayor, that respectable old man- 
answered, " that M. Finant having been removed by the 
minister of the interior for having taken part in the hon- 
ors paid to General La Fayette, he was bound to declare 
that he himself had done the same thing, together with 
all the other inhabitants of the commune, and that he 
could not, therefore, trouble the minister to do justice 
upon another in similar error." 

M. Buscaillon will long be remembered for his noble 
refusal of a place dishonored by so gross intolerance. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 397 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The Revolution of 1830 — Proclamation to the French People — 
From the Journal du Commerce, Paris — Proclamation of Louis 
Philippe — La Fayette's Official Announcement to the Municipal- 
ity of Paris — Order of the Day issued by General La Fayette — 
Details of the Revolution — Charles X. driven from the Throne 

— The Deputies, escorted by the National Guards, offer the 
Throne to the Duke of Orleans — The Duke's Reply — He is 
made Citizen King — Changes in the Charter — La Fayette's 
Speech in the Chamber — Letters by La Fayette concerning 
this Political Upheaval — His Opinions regarding French Affairs 

— Review in the Champ de Mars — Order of the Day to the 
National Guards — La Fayette's Account of the Revolution — 
La Fayette's Personal Influence in France — Compliments of the 
London Press regarding him — La Fayette speaks on Capital 
Punishment in the Chamber — Letter from Paris regarding La 
Fayette's Popularity — Encomiums in his Honor — Letter from 
Count de Lasteyrie — Incident of the Revolution — Resignation 
of La Fayette — Comments of the National Gazette — La 
Fayette's Speech on the Slave Trade — His Remarks concerning 
the National Guard — La Fayette sums up the Results obtained 
by the Revolution of 1830 — The Victory Popular — The Dynasty 
of Right Divine expelled — National Sovereignty declared — 
National Guard established — Liberty of the Press secured — 
Trial by Jury applied — New Electoral Law — Elective Admin- 
istrations — La Fayette receives a Deputation from Philadelphia 

— Address of the American Minister — La Fayette's Courteous 
and Patriotic Reply. 

" Hereditary bondsmen ! Know ye not, 
Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow ? " 

— Byron. 

DURING the Revolution of 1830, in France, the 
following proclamations were issued to the French 
people : — 



398 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" Proclamation. 

^^ Addressed to the French hij the deputies of departments assembled 

at Paris. 

" Frenchmen ! France is free. Absolute power raised its 
standard ; the heroic population of Paris has overthrown it. 
Paris, attacked, has made the sacred cause triumph by arms, — 
which had triumphed in vain in the elections. A power which 
usurped our rights and disturbed our repose, threatened at once 
liberty and order. We return to the possession of order and 
liberty. There is no more fear for acquired rights ; no more 
barrier between us and the rights which we still need. A gov- 
ernment which may without delay secure to us these advan- 
tages is now the first w^ant of our country. Frenchmen, those 
of your deputies who are already at Paris, have assembled, and 
till the Chambers can regularly intervene, they have invited a 
Frenchman who has never fought but for France — the Duke of 
Orleans — to exercise the function of lieutenant-general of the 
kingdom. This is, in their opinion, the surest means promptly 
to accomplish by peace the success of the most legitimate 
defence. 

" The Duke of Orleans is devoted to the national and consti- 
tutional cause. He has always defended its interests and pro- 
fessed its principles. He will respect our rights, for he will 
derive his own from us. We shall secure to ourselves by laws 
all the guarantees necessary to liberty strong and durable." 

From the Journal du Commerce, Paris, July 31, noon : — 

"Inhabitants of Paris: The deputies of France, at this 
moment assembled at Paris, have expressed to me the desire 
that I should repair to this capital to exercise the functions of 
lieutenant-general of the kingdom. 

"I have not hesitated to come and share your dangers, to 
place myself in the midst of your heroic population, and exert 
all my efforts to preserve you from the calamities of civil war 
and anarchy. 

" On reiurning to the city of Paris, I wore with pride those glori- 
ous colors which you hare resumed, and which 1, myself, long wore. 




LOUIS PHILIPPE. 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 399 

" The Chambers are going- to assemble ; they will consider 
the means of securing the reign of the laws, and the mainte- 
nance of the nation. 

" The Constitution will henceforth be a reality. 

" Louis Philippe D'Orleans." 

" Municipal Commission of Paris, July 31. 
" Inhabitants of Paris ! Charles X. has ceased to reign over 
France. Not being able to forget the origin of his authority, 
he has always considered himself the enemy of our country, and 
of its liberties, which he could not understand. After having 
clandestinely attacked our institutions by all the means which 
fraud and hypocrisy gave him, he resolved, when he thought 
himself strong enough, to destroy them openly ; to drown them 
in the blood of the French. Some five days have sufficed to 
annihilate his corrupted government, which has been only a 
permanent conspiracy against the liberty and prosperity of 
France. The nation alone is standing adorned with those 
national colors which it has conquered with its blood. It will 
have a government and laws worthy of itself." 

" Staff of the National Guard. 
[official.] 
'■'■Sent to the Municipality of Paris. 
" General La Fayette announces to the mayors and members 
of the different arrondissements, that he has accepted the com- 
mand-in-chief of the National Guard, which has been offered 
to him by the voice of the public, and which has been unani- 
mously conferred upon him by the deputies now assembled at 
the house of M. Laiitte. He invites the mayor and municipal 
committees of each arrondissement to send an officer to receive 
the orders of the general at the Hotel de Ville, to which he is 
now proceeding, and to wait for him there. 

"By order of General La Fayette, member of the con- 
stitutional municipal committee of Paris. 

" Lafitte, Lobau, 

"Cassimir Perrier, Odier." 

'' Gen. Gerard, 



400 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

" Proclamation. 

"Fellow-Citizens: You have, by an unanimous acclama- 
tion, elected me your general. I shall prove myself worthy of 
the choice of the Parisian Xational Guard. We fight for our 
laws and our liberties. 

" Fellow-Citizens, our triumph is certain. I beseech you 
to obey the orders of the chiefs that will be given you, and that 
cordially. The troops of the line have already given way. The 
guards are ready to do the same. The traitors who have ex- 
cited the civil war, and who thought to massacre the people 
with ijnpunity, will soon be forced to account before the tribu- 
nals, for their violation of the laws and their sanguinary plots. 
" Signed at general quarters, 

" Le general du Bourg, 

" La Fayette." 

The following order of the day was issued by General 

La Fayette, on accepting the command of the l^ational 

Guard : — 

''Aug. 2. 

" During the glorious crisis in which the Parisian energy has 
re-conquered our rights, everything still remains provisional; 
there is nothing definitive but the sovereignty of those national 
rights, and the eternal remembrance of the glorious work of the 
people; but amidst the various powers instituted through the 
necessity of our situation, the reorganization of the National 
Guard is a most necessary defence for the public order, and 
one which is highly called for. The opinion of the prince exer- 
cising the high station of lieutenant-general of the kingdom, 
is that I should, for the present, take that command. In 1790 
I refused to accept such an offer, made to me by 3,000,000 of 
my comrades, as that office would have been a permanent one, 
and might one day have become a very dangerous one. Now 
that circumstances are altered, I think it my duty, in order to 
serve liberty and my country, to accept the station of general 
commandant of the National Guard of France. 

"La Fayette." 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 401 

The Niles Register, published at Baltimore, thus writes 
at this time concerning the Revolution of 1830 : — 

"The details are long and exceedingly interesting. 
Charles has abdicated the throne of France, as well as 
his son, in favor of the Duke of Bordeaux, his grandson ; 
but the French have now so little regard for the ' divine 
rights ' of the Bourbons, as to refuse having a hcihy for 
their king ; and it is highly probable that the Duke of 
Orleans will be invested with the sovereignty, according 
to the charter, with, perhaps, some small modifications. 
Our old friend. La Fayette, has so far fulfilled his best 
hopes, in preserving much respect for order amidst the 
bustling events that have lately happened in Paris, and 
his coadjutors seem entitled to the highest praise for 
the firmness and discretion with which they have acted ; 
but the people have earned even more glory by their 
moderation, if it be possible, than by their valor. The 
result is wonderful indeed. A comj^lete revolution 
effected in less than ten days, and extending all over 
France, and the people settled down into their usual 
avocations in peace ! the tri-colored flag floats every- 
where in the breeze ; the Marseillaise Hymn is sung in 
the theatres ; liberty is regained, and licentiousness has 
not followed in its train ! 

" In August the deputies proceeded in a body and on 
foot, escorted by the National Guard, to the Palais Royal, 
to offer the throne, which they had declared vacant, to 
the Duke of Orleans. To the declaration of the Cham- 
ber, read by M. Lafitte, in the presence of the Duke of 
Orleans, he thus replied : — 

" ' I receive, vritli profound emotion, the declaration 
you present to nie. I look upon it as the expression of 
the national will, and it appears to me in harmony with 
the principles I have professed all my life. Filled with 



402 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

recollections wliich always have induced me to wish that 
it might never be my destiny to ascend a throne, exempt 
from ambition, and accustomed to the peaceful lite 
which I have led in the midst of my family, I cannot 
conceal from you all the emotions which agitate my 
heart on this most important occasion; but there is 
one that overmasters them all, and that is love of my 
country. I feel what it requires of me, and I will do it.' 

" After this reply, delivered with much emotion, G-en- 
eral La Fayette taking the arm of the Duke of Orleans, 
said in a loud voice : — 

'' ' This is such a prince as I desired.' 

" The peers speedily followed the deputies, and waited 
upon the ' citizen king,' as they called him. 

" The deputies having declared the throne vacant by 
the flight of the king and his family, proceeded to make 
certain alterations in the constitution, which, having 
passed through all necessary forms, and been acce^^ted 
also by the Duke of Orleans, he took the oaths as king 
of France, on the 9th of August, and was proclaimed 
accordingly." 

Charles X., at different periods of his reign, having, 
for the purpose of obtaining a majority in the House of 
Peers, created many new peers, the following proposition 
was submitted to the Chamber of Deputies by M. 
Berard : — 

" All nominations and creations of peers made under 
the reign of Charles X. are declared void and of none 
effect. The 27tli article of the charter (giving the king 
power to create peers) shall be subjected to a new discus- 
sion in the sittings of 1831.'' 

These propositions being before the house. General La 
Fayette having ascended the tribune, amidst the most 
profound silence, thus spoke : — 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 403 

'' In inounting this tribune for the purpose of express- 
ing an opinion opposed to that of many friends of lil> 
erty, I am not yielding to a momentary impulsion, nor 
am I courting popularity, which I never preferred to my 
duty. (Cheers.) The republican principles which 1 
have professed throughout my life, and under all govern- 
ments, do not prevent me from being the defender of a 
constitutional throne raised by the people. The same 
sentiments animate me under the present circumstances, 
when it is judged desirable to raise to a constitutional 
throne, the prince lieutenant-general, and I am bound to 
avow that this choice the more perfectly fulfils my 
wishes the more I become acquainted with him. (Cheers.) 
I do not partake in the opinion entertained by many of 
my fellow-citizens as to an hereditary peerage. (Hear ! 
hear I) A disciple of the American school, I have 
always conceived it to be necessary that the legislative 
body should be divided into two chambers, differently 
constituted ; but I have never been able to comprehend 
how people could be hereditary legislators and judges. 
I have always thought that the introduction of aristoc- 
racy into public institutions was mixing them with a 
bad ingredient. It is, therefore, with great pleasure 
that I find you occupied with a project that meets the 
sentiments I have professed throughout my life, and 
which I only now repeat. My conscience forced me to 
make this repetition, and declare that I hope shortly to 
see the hereditary peerage suppressed. My fellow-citi- 
zens will do me the justice to acknowledge that if I 
have always been the upholder of liberty, I have at the 
same time been the supporter of public order.'' 

General La Fayette was everywhere received as a kind 
father. He had many able coadjutors in the great work 
performed, especially Lafitte and (xerard. 



404 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

The total iminber killed in Paris during the three days' 
fighting in this revolution of 1830 was about eight thou- 
sand. La Fayette and his son devoted themselves with 
great kindness to the wounded, encouraging the surgeons 
and personally bestowing attentions and favors upon the 
sufferers. 

The following letters written by La Fayette to various 
friends at this time will give a clear and concise idea of 
his opinions regarding this political upheaval in France. 

The first two were addressed by La Fayette to Gen- 
eral Bernard of Washington ; the last, to a gentlemen in 
New York. 

" Paris, Sept. 8, 1830. 

" My dear General : Abundance of news must have 
reached you through the periodical papers. ISTeverthe- 
less, I think it will be pleasing to you to receive some 
written details. You will have received some publica- 
tions relating to our memorable week. You will also 
have read an account of the review by the king in the 
Champ de Mars, for the distribution of our tri-colored 
flags to the National Guard. The ceremony was as splen- 
did as that of the federation of 1790. We had five hun- 
dred thousand spectators, and every one was struck with 
the celerity Avith which in less than three weeks we have 
organized nearly fifty thousand men of National Guard — 
armed, equipped, and filing oft' like veteran troops. The 
king handed successively to the general commander-in- 
chief the forty-eight tri-colored flags, each surmounted 
with a cock in lieu of the old imperial eagle, with this 
motto, 'Liberty— Public Order — Days of 27th, 28th, 
29th, July, 1830.' The commander-in-chief took himself 
the new oath, and had it administered to the National 
Guard. The colors were entrusted to flag-bearers selected 
from among the mechanics who had distinguished them- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 405 

selves in fighting in the barricades. The National Guard 
are organizing throughout France. We hav^e already 
fourteen thousand men for the two arrondissements only 
of St. Denis and Seaux. 

" I send to you the order of the day which I addressed 
to the National Guard of the kingdom. Next week a 
law will be proposed for the final organization of the 
French National Guard. All the citizens will compose 
the stationary guard; the young men the movable 
National Guard. From seven to eight hundred thou- 
sand fighting men will thus form good corps of re- 
serve. 

" You know that some disturbances have taken place 
in Belgium ; they will end, I think, by the separation of 
that country from Holland, under the same sovereign. 
We have not interfered except to signify that we shall 
not suffer that any foreign army should exercise any 
right of interference, leaving the nations to manage their 
own affairs according to their will, but not willing that 
other governments shall interfere to oppress our neigh- 
bors. 

'' I send you the exact account of what has taken place 
in the Chamber relative to South America and Mexico. 
You will see that I took care to mark the order of the 
recognitions already made, and to give to our dear United 
States the share which belongs to them. 

"Our republican throne has been recognized immedi- 
ately by the English government, and will soon, I hope, be 
recognized by the other powers. You Avill readily suppose 
that T did not say that this ivas the best of republics. I do 
not think so ; and the constitution of the United States 
appears to me far preferable. But I believe we have done 
for the best in the present circumstances ; and have pre- 
pared under a popular throne all republican institutions. 



406 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
There are not in France patriots more sincere and en- 
lightened than the king and his son. I knew them but 
little before, but they have inspired me with the great- 
est friendship and confidence; and this sentiment is 
reciprocal. 

'' This, my dear general, is the point at which we have 
arrived. I do not mention to , you some slight disturb- 
ances or errors among the mechanics. There is not in 
all this any ill intention, and reasoning alone has been 
sufficient to persuade them. After all, most of these 
slight disorders of which our adversaries have made so 
much have been instigated by disguised enemies ; and 
there have been no real troubles but at ISTismes ; and the 
zeal of the neighboring National Guard and that of the 
line, under the tri-colored flag, soon repressed them. 

" Receive the new assurances of my old and constant 
friendship. . La Fayette.'- 

" Order of the Day. 

" To the National Guards of the Kingdom of France, 
Sept. 1, 1830. 

" The general commanding-in-chief the Kational Guard 
of the kingdom, called by the confidence of the people to 
the head of the public forces in the glorious days of our 
late revolution, has thought it his duty, notwithstanding 
his refusal in 1790, to accept under the new state of 
things the important command conferred on him by the 
confidence of a patriot monarch, himself i^laced by the 
Avishes of his fellow-citizens on the constitutional throne 
of the king of the French. But in consideration of the 
importance and multiplicity of his duties, the general 
commander-in-chief must necessarily rely (of which he 
has. indeed, the happy certainty) on the patriotism, upc'ii 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 407 

the zeal, and, he may be })erinitte(l to add, the })ers()nal 
att'ectioii of his brothers in arms througliout the vast ex- 
tent of our brave and free country of France. 

" After forty years of memorable vicissitudes the old 
tri-colored flag of '89, the flag of the national sovereignty, 
of liberty, and of public order, has just been gloriously, 
generously, and forever re-established; around this stand- 
ard has rallied, with a spontaneous movement, and will 
soon be legally organized, all France in arms. 

"The French people, profiting by the lessons of ex- 
perience, by the progress of light and civic intelligence, 
and appreciating the glory and benefits of our political 
storms, casting off all that deprived their first impulses 
of their purity, feel much the more necessity for gen- 
eral and personal security, now that the happy division of 
property and the advancement of industry render it more 
and more necessary. Filled with respect and good will for 
the rights of other nations, and their bosoms glowing with 
ardor for all the rights, without distinction, of individ- 
ual, civil and religious liberty, they cannot ])ut maintain 
with firmness, and if it be necessary defend with energy, 
their own rights of independence, liberty, of legal order, 
the laws to which they have consented, and the popular 
throne which they have founded. 

" It is the jSTational Guard to whom these great duties 
are particularly confided; and as no foreign influence 
can prevail against the French nation, proud as she is of 
her retrospections, of her strength, and of the great and 
virtuous example she has just presented to the world, 
holding in her hands the sacred arms of liberty; so 
neither can any domestic intrigue, any of those temp- 
tations to disorder which the odious tactics of our adver- 
saries formerly rendered so oppressive, now triumph 
over the spirit of wisdom, moderation, and at tlie same 



408 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
time of energy and persevering patriotism, which now 
characterize France as it is, and which Avas so admi- 
rably evinced by her brave men during the three great 
days. 

'' The general commander-in-chief, ready at all times 
to assist his fellow-soldiers with all the efforts of his 
devotion and of his personal independence, communicates 
to them this day some provisionary instructions through 
the medium of the inspector-general, whose long experi- 
ence has greatly aided his labors. 

" There will be no delay by the government in the 
presentation of a law for the final organization of the 
National Guard. It will have for its basis the law of 
'91, and especially the vital principle of election by the 
citizens ; but this is only an additional motive for for- 
warding at present with all our zeal the spontaneous 
movement which does honor and gives strength to 
France, and which presents her such as she ought to 
be to her friends, and, in case of need, to her enemies. 

" La Fayette." 

" Paris, Aug. 17, 1830. 

"How much I should wish to be with you, my dear 
general, to rejoice together in the result of this last 
glorious and virtuous revolution. The people alone have 
achieved the whole ; they have shown themselves as 
great in the victory as daring and intrepid in the strug- 
gle. Bodies of courageous mechanics were led by young 
students, and chiefly by pupils of the Polytechnique 
School, who were far more admirable than I can express. 

" Our losses, during these three bloody days, have been 
great ; those of our adversaries have been considerable. 
Ko sooner was a regiment engaged in the streets to carry 
off the barricades than new ones were thrown up in the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY, 409 

rear. The attacks on the Louvre, Tuileries, and H6tel 
de Ville were made with incredible valor. Levasseur 
was severely wounded, but we shall save him. I was, on 
the morning of the third day, established in the H6tel 
de Ville, which had been taken and retaken ; and the tri- 
colored flag was waving over our heads. The king hav- 
ing halted at Rambouillet with ten or twelve thousand 
men, I ordered fro)n flfteen to twenty thousand Parisians 
to march against him ; the enemy retreated. After- 
wards the Count d'Artois and family reached the port of 
embarkation, under the escort of our commissaries, with- 
out receiving the least insult during their journey through 
the French territory. 

" The National Guard is organizing throughout France. 
The king we have elected is patriotic and popular. I 
would not say, as has been reported, that this is the best 
of republics, but I do say that it is a very republican 
monarchy, susceptible of improvement. 

"Adieu, my dear general. I love you, and embrace 
you, with all my heart. 

"La Fayette." 

The following letter was written by La Fayette to a 
friend in New York : — 

" We might have declared a pure republic ; but not 
without a great division of opinion, nor without danger 
both internal and external. And therefore the republi- 
cans generously preferred uniting themselves to the mod- 
erate monarchists (perhaps the majority of the nation), 
on condition that it should be a rejmblican monarchy. 
The Duke of Orleans was chosen by the Chamber of Dep- 
uties in the name of the people, who seem well satisfied ; 
and having recognized the principle that he derives his 



410 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
title from the will of the people, Loiii.s Philippe reas- 
ceuds a popular throne. 

'' I did not say, as some newspapers related it, ' that 
this was the best of republics.' I declared, on the con- 
trary, my doctrines, which are of the American school ; 
but I perceive that, under all the circumstances, this is 
the best thing to be done ; and from what I have since 
seen of the new king and his family, I am confirmed in 
the opinion that we have done right. 

"We have now entered a progressiv^e career of legisla- 
tion, which will lead to a very liberal state of things, 

" Thus the cause of the people — the liberty of Europe 
— has made in three days an immense stride, and this 
new revolution has sustained a character for disinterest- 
edness, grandeur of soul, and generosity, which places 
what are called the lowest orders of the people in the 
first rank of French society. France is now her own 
sovereign, and every day confirms her title. 

" La Fayette." 

The following are extracts of a letter of the Parisian 
correspondent of the London Morning Chronicle. Its 
date is the 8th of August. 

" I think we shall have peace ! But believe me, that 
question depends on the voice of one man — and that 
man is Greneral La Fayette. If, on Friday night, when 
twelve thousand of the bravest and most intelligent of the 
youths of Paris marched down to the Chamber of Deputies 
to demand that there should be no hereditary peerage, and, 
in fact, no Chamber of Peers ; if, I say, at that moment 
Greneral La Fayette had said to those brave young men, 
'Yes, my friends, we will have a republic,' before twenty- 
four hours France would have been declared a republic by 
the people. I do not say by the peers — by the depu- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 411 

ties — by the bankers — by the rich inerehaiits, or men of 
property ; but I do say, by the people. And even yester- 
day if, in the Chamber of Deputies, when La Fayette rose 
to address the house, when there was the silence of death, 
and when each one dared not to breathe till they heard 
some words from the republican hero — if then La Fay- 
ette had said, ' G-entlemen, I protest against your pro- 
ceedings. France shall have a charter — but shall not 
have a king,' France would have had no king, and France 
would have maintained her position though millions 
should have been slain. It is to General La Fayette that 
the Duke of Orleans owes the crown, which to-morrow 
will be placed upon his head. The Eoyalists and L^ltra- 
royalists were prepared, to a man, to support the Eepub- 
lican party." 

Another correspondent of the London })apers pays La 
Fayette the following compliment : — 

"• Amidst various admirable plans and measures, I 
must direct your attention above all to a proposition of 
abolishing the punishment of death. La Fayette gave a 
distinguishing proof of the real nature of his spirit by 
seconding, in a time of revolution, the abolishment of 
this penalty. He is no dealer in men's lives — no hunter 
after blood. He saved Louis XVI. from the fury of a 
mob, Charles X. from destruction, the state from an- 
archy ; and now he would even protect from ignomin- 
ious death the authors of those fatal ordinances which 
have produced the shedding of so much blood, and left 
so many to mourn over the loss of husband, father, and 
friend. France is erecting to La Fayette a splendid 
monument : but posterity will do more ; our grand- 
children will call him the saviour of the liberties of 
France.'' 

In the Chamber of Deputies, on the 21st of August, a 



412 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

proposition being submitted to abolish the punishment 
of death (on which no decision had been made), General 
La Fayette rose and said : — 

"I conceive, differing with my honorable colleague, 
that the abolition of the penalty of death is a princi- 
ple, or rather a sentiment, that ought to be at once ex- 
amined. It is no new idea that is now laid before you 
— the abolition of this penalty has been called for at 
every period ; it was demanded by some highly respect- 
able members of the Constituent Assembly, by Adrian 
Duport; it was demanded by the father of our honor- 
able friend, the author of the commentary on Montes- 
quieu. How deeply have we all to regret that it had 
not been abolished ages back ! It is in the present day 
loudly called for in the United States of America. 
From this, gentlemen, you will perceive that many have 
formed a decided opinion upon the subject. For my own 
part, I shall demand the abolition of the penalty of death 
until I am convinced that human judgment is infallible. 
What frightful use of this penalty was made during our 
former revolution. The reflection fills my soul with 
horror ! No man, I believe, ever made use of it during 
those disastrous times, without afterwards wishing it 
were possible he could redeem with his own blood the 
condemnations in which he had joined. But our present 
revolution has a character of generosity as well as of 
patriotism, and it would adorn its commencement were 
we to consummate this act of humanity. I, therefore, 
vote for its being taken into consideration." 

Extract of a letter from Paris, dated Aug. 10, to the 
editor of the Boston Sentinel : — 

" General La Fayette can now be ranked with Wash- 
ington without exaggeration. His late conduct has 
capped the climax of his glory. Few people at present 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 41o 

realize the degree to which he is entitled to our admira- 
tion. When, on the first day of the contest, I was told, 
that he had come to Paris from La Grange to accept the 
dangerous post of leader of the armed people, I could 
hardly credit the news. Who could then have divined 
the issue ? And had it not proved successful, think of 
the terrible consequence to the old veteran. To escape 
to America with his life was the utmost he could have 
hoped in such an event. But he not only accepted the 
command, but did not fear to appear on horseback in 
military dress, in various parts of Paris, in prosecution 
of his arduous undertaking. 

" But his fearless devotion to the cause of liberty con- 
stitutes the smallest part of his claim to our admiration. 
It is his magnanimity, his wonderful disinterestedness, 
and the purity of his patriotism that rank him with 
Washington. It must be recollected that he is an avowed 
republican, that he has always desired a republic for 
France. And yet the new king, Louis Philippe, is in- 
debted to him personally for his crown. Yes, I am confi- 
dent of this extraordinary fact. It is not generally known 
that a republic would certainly have been established, of 
which La Fayette might have been at the head, had it 
not been for his noble and disinterested preference of his 
country to himself. But he reflected that a republic, at 
this crisis, would be at the risk of foreign or civil war, 
or both. He was not afraid of either. He knew that he 
and the people could maintain a republic against both 
foreign and domestic foes. 

" But he knew, also, that the Duke of Orleans would 
make a ' republican king,' and at the same time not endan- 
ger the public tranquillity. The magnanimous La Fay- 
ette then did not hesitate to give the duke his support, 
without which he never could have reigned. This I 



414 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

* 
gather, not from newspaj^ers, but from the state of the 

public mind expressed in innumerable ways, and particu- 
larly when the people came so near stopping the deliber- 
ations of the Chamber of Deputies the other day, and 
when nobody could calm them but La Fayette. People 
now cry about the streets medals of La Fayette, ph^e cles 
Frangais.^^ 

From the London Morning Chronicle. 

'' In answer to a communication as to the light in which 
the French people would view the subscriptions for the 
sufferers at Paris, the following letter has been re- 
ceived : — 

"'National Guard of Paris. 

"'Hotel de Ville, Aug. 10, 1830. 

" ' Dear Sir : We have had a conference with G-eneral 
La Fayette on the subject of your letter, and beg you will 
communicate its results to the free men of England. 

"'We think that the cause of liberty would be essen- 
tially served if a deputation were named at a general 
meeting in London to present to General La Fayette, as 
commander of the Xational Cxuard, the subscriptions for 
the wounded of the sufferers, and at the same time to be 
the bearer of an address to the inhabitants of Paris, on 
the late events. We think it would be a noble occasion 
for each to give evidence to the other of their love of 
fi:eedom and peace, and of their mutual esteem and friend- 
ship. It would be a step — a great step — towards the 
union of two cultivated nations ; it would be a glorious 
example to the rest ; it would be to supersede the holy 
alliance of kings by the holier alliance of the people. 

" ' After the arrival of this deputation in Paris, a depu- 
tation would be named here to be the l^earers of an 
address to the inhabitants of London, thankinsi- them for 



THE K NIGHT OF LIBERTY. 41o 

their friendly exertions, cand expressive of our hope for 
the establishment of the extension of liberty and good 
government. 

" ' These, my dear Bowring, are the suggestions which 
we respectfully submit to the consideration of our kind 
friends. These we desire to be known in England, and 
to the world. This is a happy moment. Let us profit 
by it for the universal cause of man. 

"• '• An order of the day is at this moment being pub- 
lished, announcing to the peo|)le of Paris what the people 
of London are doing in their favor. All hearts are united 
in this good Avork. The Americans, too, are coming for- 
ward. 

" ' Now then, zealously for the good cause ! and let us 
place the charters of liberty beyond the race of tyrants. 

" ' Yours wholly, 
"^ ' Count dp: Lastf.yrie.' " 

^_ Paris paper says : — 

" A great many women took an active part in the 
combats in Paris, and several distinguished themselves 
by feats of extraordinary courage. A young and pretty 
girl, nineteen years of age, who, during the three days, 
appeared in front of the combatants armed with a musket, 
acquired such an ascendency over the citizens that they 
regarded her almost as their captain. Intrepid on the 
held of battle, she lavished her kind attentions on the 
wounded when the tiring had ceased. So much heroism, 
devotion, and humanity excited the enthusiasm of all 
who witnessed it. On Saturday night this young girl 
was borne in triumph through tha streets of Paris. A 
great crowd accompanied her, shouting cries of joy. lu 
one hand she held a sword, and in the other the tri- 
colored flag. Lighted torches shed a brilliancy on this 
gay cortege.^'' 



416 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

The Niles Register, February, 1831, thus describes the 
resignation of La Fayette : — 

" The sitting of the Chamber of Deputies on the 27th 
of December, 1830, was numerously attended in conse- 
quence of the extraordinary degree of interest excited 
by recent occurrences. The Chamber was proceeding to 
the discussion of the law relative to the National Guard 
when La Fayette entered, and was received with univer- 
sal applause, upwards of one hundred members going up 
to him and shaking his hand. The general then went to 
to the president, and after a short conversation with 
him, addressed the Chamber as follows : — 

'' ^ In a neighboring nation it is the custom when a citi- 
zen retires from a distinguished office, for him to come 
before his fellow-citizens and explain the cause, and I 
am sure the Chamber will grant me the same favor. I 
have always considered that the post of commander-in- 
chief of the National Guard of France was incompatible 
with a constitutional monarchy, except under circum- 
stances of the most absolute necessity. It was this con- 
viction that led me in 1790, when 3,000,000 of National 
Guards wished to elect me their commander at the feder- 
ation by 14,000 deputies, to apply to the Constituent 
Assembly, and urge them to issue a decree in opposition 
to this desire. 

" ' Such still was my opinion when the lieutenant-gen- 
eral of the kingdom, who has since become our king, 
wished me to accept the same appointment, and I felt 
myself bound to accept it, but always retaining the in- 
tention of laying it down as soon as I was satisfied that 
it was no longer necessary for me to continue to hold it ; 
earlier if peace remained unbroken, but at a later period 
had war ensued. The declared opinion of the Chamber 
has hastened the period, and out of respect for it I have 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY, 4l7 

not waited till the law was submitted to the other branches 
of the state. 

" ' It is merely a matter of date ; but I should be deeply 
hurt if any one imagined — and no one who has been 
acquainted with me during the last fifty-four years of 
my life can believe — that my conduct has been dictated 
by any personal feeling. I will go further, and say that 
this opinion of the Chamber has afforded me an oppor- 
tunity. The high authority with which I was invested 
has given umbrage which you, gentlemen, must have 
heard of ; and this umbrage has even been felt in certain 
diplomatic circles. The cause is now at an end, and I 
have no other honor than that of being one of your col- 
leagues. 

" ' One word more, gentlemen : I should not have given 
in my resignation, which the king has accepted with all 
that goodness he has ever shown toward me, before the 
crisis we have now happily gotten over was at an end. 
At this time my conscientious love of public order is 
satisfied, but I cannot say the same of my conscientious 
love of liberty. We must all recollect the programme 
announced at the H6tel de Ville, — a popular throne sup- 
ported by republican institutions. It was accepted, but 
we have not all put the same construction upon it: it 
has not always been interpreted by the councils of the 
king in the same sense in which it was understood by 
me, who am more impatient than others that it should 
be realized; and whatever may have been my personal 
independence in all situations I feel myself at the pres- 
ent moment more at my ease in discussing my opinions 
with you. 

'' • For the rest, there are points upon which we shall 
always be in accord : we shall ever be united against our 
enemies, whether at home or from abroad. I still think 



418 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
that ill the measures taken in the revohition of July we 
not only did that which we verily believed was for the 
best, but that we did all that was possible to be done. 1 
am the more convinced of this since I have become in- 
timately acquainted with the personage we have placed 
on the throne. On throwing off my uniform I have not 
changed my motto, " Liberty, Public Order." 

'' ' Besides, how many legal means we have of express- 
ing our thoughts and making our wishes known; for 
there is the tribune of this Chamber, and for every citi- 
zen there is the press which has rendered the country so 
many services ; and then there is the peaceable mode of 
petitions. Having thus yielded to my desire of laying- 
all my sentiments before you, I trust I shall still and 
ever retain" your esteem and friendship.' " 

"With what feelings," says the National Gazette, "must 
the government of Austria view the present situation of 
La Fayette, whom it so long held as a malefactor in a 
dungeon ! It is stated of Franklin that when he signed 
at Paris the treaty of alliance between the United Col- 
onies and France, he put on the same coat which he wore 
when he was grossly insulted by Widderburn and the 
lords of the Privy Council in London. If La Fayette has 
retained the suit in which he escaped from Olmiitz, he 
might resume it by the side of Philip when the Austrian 
ambassador has his first audience of the citizen king.^'' 

Niles Register, November, 1830, quotes the following 
speech of La Fayette in the French Chamber of Depu- 
ties : — 

" At a recent sitting of the Chamber, General La Fay- 
ette made the following remarks relative to the suppres- 
sion of the slave trade. Our readers will see that on this, 
as on all other occasions, he was careful to render justice 
to the United States, whose character or institutions he 



THE K NIGHT OF LIBERTY. 419 

omits no proper opportunity of holding \\\) to respect and 
admiration. The annunciation of the minister of the 
marine is important as to destroying the distinction of 
color. 

" General La Fayette. ' I feel always ready to unite 
in whatever tends to alleviate the unfortunate condition 
of the ancient and unhappy colony of St. Domingo ; hut 
after the debate which has just occupied our attention 
the Chamber will not be disappointed if I pass over the 
present question to the situation of the colonies which 
are still in our possession. I regret very much that, at 
the time of the Constituent Assembly, the resolutions 
were not persisted in, Avliich united the free people of 
color with the other colonists, in declaring them entitled 
to the same rights. I also wish that the slave trade had 
been rigorously interdicted, and that a law for the grad- 
ual abolition of slavery had prevented the misfortunes 
occasioned by a sudden and imprudent emancipation. 
And, since, have we not had sufficient reason to lament 
this consular and imperial system, which sent our best 
troops to perish in the sad expedition to St. Domingo, 
and which caused the double outrage of re-establishing 
slavery and the slave trade at a time when none but 
French capital was engaged in this infamous traffic ? 
Xow, gentlemen, after so many sacrifices and misfor- 
tunes, we find ourselves behind with many other nations, 
at least in the suppression of the slave trade. 

"The United States first, the English immediately 
afterwards, have assimilated it with piracy, the only 
means of repressing it, whilst the guilty can obtain pe- 
cuniary indemnification from those who employ them, 
who, for example, send ships to St. Thomas to carry on 
the direct trade for slaves. It is to avoid consuming 
time witli special ])ropositions and reference to the offi- 



420 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
ces, that I entreat the minister of marine, who is present 
(and of whose favorable intentions in this respect I am 
well aware), to communicate to us, decidedly, the deter- 
mination of government on this subject, and on the 
condition of the free men of color in our colonies.' " 

"The Mixister of Marine. 'I have the honor of 
stating to the Chamber that I agree entirely in the jus- 
tice and humanity of the sentiments manifested b}^ the 
illustrious general Avho has just descended from the tri- 
bune. The government proposes to present to the Chamber 
a law which will condemn all those to the penalties of 
piracy, who engage for the future in this infamous trade 
for human beings. It must be acknowledged that the 
trade has diminished, though, in spite of the precautions 
taken by government, it still exists in a great degree. 
The penalties enacted against piracy can alone suppress 
it entirely. Something may, at this time, however, be 
mentioned honorable to France, which is, that of all the 
European nations who have a maritime commerce, she is 
least of all given to this odious traffic. As to the fate 
of the free people of the colonies, the government ac- 
knowledges that free men can no longer exist in different 
conditions ; thus the legislation which will be presented 
to you will give 3'ou an opportunity of consecrating this 
principle, that all free men, of whatever class or color 
they may be, are equal in the eyes of the law.' " 

The Chamber ordered the petition to be referred to the 
ministers of finance and foreign affairs. 

At the sitting of the Chamber of Deputies, on the 14th 
of December, 1830, speaking of certain propositions con- 
cerning the National Guard, La Fayette said : — 
j^ "I decline to enter into the question of cantons and 
communes. But if I am asked if you are now to discuss 
whether all France shall be armed, I answer, the question 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 421 

is already decided ; the people did not wait in 1789, or 
in 1830, to deliberate, but marched against the enemy 
[sensation] ; we must, therefore, prepare for war, as the 
best means of securing peace. We cannot hope to make 
all Europe in love with our institutions ; there are those 
who still look with a jaundiced eye upon the accession of 
a citizen king to our throne. 

"The revolution of Belgium, the eldest daughter of 
one great week, may yet excite uneasiness. At this 
moment you see Poland [Hear, hear !] ready to rival, in 
zeal and patriotism, the friends of liberty, not only in 
France, but in all other countries [fresh movements]. 
Poland [Hear, hear !] is, perhaps, upon the point of repair- 
ing the shame of the last year of Louis XV., and the 
immense fault which Napoleon committed when he neg- 
lected the occasion of restoring that fine country, after 
the three divisions which had destroyed it [loud accla- 
mations from the left]. 

'' We have announced our rule to be that we will not 
allow other powers to interfere, not only in our affairs, 
but in the affairs of other countries. Suppose foreign 
powers should think proper to seize upon Belgium, or to 
assist Holland ; could we look on in cold blood ? Cer- 
tainly not [loud cheers]. The same thing may happen 
on the side of Poland. Suppose Austria, prevailed upon 
by Prussia, or for any selfish purpose of her own, was to 
make herself a party to the quarrel in Eussian Poland — " 
[violent murmurs and marks of disapprobation. Sev- 
eral voices, "This supposition is unreasonable."]. 

M. La Fayette (turning towards General Sebastian). "I 
speak in the presence of the minister of foreign affairs, 
who knows that the supposition is very natural. Why 
not, then, place ourselves in the fittest posture for de- 
fence ? " [cheers]. 



422 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

La Fayette thus sums up the results obtained by the 
Revolution of 1830, in a paper found among his manu- 
scripts : — 

" The victory having been entirely po^^ular, it has baf- 
fled the combinations of the liberal aristocracy as much 
as those of the aristocratic nobility and of foreign coun- 
tries. 

" The dynasty of right divine has been expelled ; the 
national sovereignty has been not only recognized, but 
exercised, more clearly than it had ever ibeen in Europe, 
because, in the English Revolution of l^t88, there were 
applied again in England the principles of legitimacy. 
William III. was elected because he was son-in-law of 
James II. and to avoid breaking the line of succession : 
the acts were signed William and Mary. 

"In the French Revolution of '89, the national sover- 
eignty found itself declared in the right, but in fact 
had preserved the line legitimate, in the person of Louis 
XVI. To-day the crown has been given in the name of 
the people, and accepted as such by Louis Philippe, who 
is called thus because he had in his family six predeces- 
sors of that name. He was not saluted king only after 
he had signed and sworn to the conditions imposed upon 
him, in the name of the people, and ratified by the unhes- 
itating assent of the population of Paris and of the 
departments. 

"The National Guard have been re-established in an 
original institution ; arms have been given to all French- 
men ; the officers have been chosen by the citizens, very 
much the same as in the United States they are nomi- 
nated by the executive power. It is certainly a militia, 
the most universal and the most democratic which has 
ever existed. 

" The liberty of the press has been rendered complete 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 423 

by the suppression of obstacles which yet existed, because 
one can regard as already decreed those proposed reso- 
lutions relative to printers, to libraries, and to securities. 

^' The trial by jury has been applied not only to the 
press, but also to other political misdemeanors, with 
immense advantage, and one will hear soon of applying 
the jury to other questions. 

" The absurdities relative to double voting have been 
suppressed by the nomination of definite presidents and 
provisionary bureaux, by executive power. The age 
required for the electors has been reduced from thirty 
years to twenty-five, and for those eligible, from forty to 
thirty. It is conceded in advance that the new electoral 
law will lower the census as much for the electors as for 
those eligible, unless even that should be entirely sup- 
pressed. 

" The succession to the Chamber of Peers has received 
a blow from which it cannot recover itself. 

'^The tri-colored flag is re-established throughout all 
France, and carries into all foreign countries the love 
and the example of liberty. 

" The municipalities, the councils of departments, 
chosen by the old government from amongst the enemies 
of liberty, have been replaced by elective administra- 
tions, and established as a sort of republican and admin- 
istrative federation. Behold then, in spite of hesitations, 
obstacles, and delays, we have advanced thus far at pres- 
ent ! It remains to know what we have to do, for a 
complete revolution. 

'^1. To lower as much as we can the census of the 
new electoral law; even to introduce there, if possible, 
such amendments as shall tend to give an indirect parti- 
cipation of the representation of the people to those who 
are not admitted bv election. 



424 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

"2. To render the administration, communal and de- 
partmental, as popular as we can, increasing their im- 
portance and diminishing that of the prefects who have 
not been commissioned b}" the executive power. 

" 3. That each Chamber of Deputies should find itself 
reorganized into a large party by more than one hundred 
resignations, which will give to each side a force of 
nearly one hundred voices ; and as it will be at present 
impossible to dissolve the Chamber before the end of the 
session, as certain laws pertaining to the National 
Guard necessitate the contiimation of the actual ses- 
sion, it is desirable that the next session should give to 
us a new Chamber ; since the new law, though imperfect, 
will necessarily be very much preferable to the actual 
law. 

" There will surely be a great diminishing of the civil 
list, and of the reforms appertaining to the budget. As 
to the rest, those of the budget can be modified at each 
session. It is necessary to demand the reform of the 
penal code." 

La Fayette here leaves this paper unfinished, but 
enough is given to form an opinion of his ideas of polit- 
ical reform. 

The following is from GaliganVs Messenger : — 

"A deputation of gentlemen from Philadelphia nave 
been received at the H6tel de Ville by the prefect of the 
Seine. The Americans presented an address expressive 
of the admiration entertained by the inhabitants of Phil- 
adelphia for the noble conduct of the Parisians during 
the glorious days of July. The deputation was intro- 
duced by General La Fayette. In the evening a grand 
dinner was given in honor of the occasion, at which Mr. 
Rives, the American minister, returned thanks for a 
toast of ' the United States and the health of President 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 425 

Jackson ' ; in this speecli Mr. Rives addressed the com- 
pany as follows : — 

" ' Permit me, gentlemen, to thank you for the honor 
you have done my country, — an honor, it may, at least, 
claim to merit b^^ its cordial sentiments for France. It 
was my good fortune, gentlemen, to be an eye-witness of 
your glorious revolution of July, and to see, with un- 
bounded admiration, how a population — brave and gen- 
erous — can be forbearing after having been subjected to 
the most terrific trials ; and what moderation it can exer- 
cise in the midst of a victory purchased by so many 
noble sacrifices. But it was not necessary to have been 
a personal Avitness of your revolution to admire and ap- 
preciate it. At the distance of more than a thousand 
leagues beyond the Atlantic Ocean it has been felt and 
appreciated in all its noble grandeur. 

"'The three memorable days have been hailed by 
every people as the triumph of human liberty; but 
with us, they have given rise to the same rejoicings 
as our national victories ; we have celebrated your 29th 
July, as we celebrate our own 4th of July, with illumi- 
nations, processions, salutes, and all the demonstrations 
of patriotic exultation. This is a proof that the ties 
which formerly connected the two nations in a glorious 
alliance, still retain all their moral force ; the evidence 
of a sympathy and fidelity to ancient recollections, 
which, I hope, will insure their cordial union under the 
auspices of an enlightened and upright king, whose 
constitutional throne and noble character present the 
best of guarantees at the same time for his own people 
and for foreign powers. I have the honor to propose 
a toast, which emanates from the bottom of all Ameri- 
can hearts — " The king of the French, and the French 
nation." ' " 



426 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

We cannot resist adding an extract from the animated 
speech of General La Fayette upon this occasion : — 

" Here I find, happily mingled together, all the recol- 
lections — all the sentiments and feelings of my life. I 
am surrounded by the grandsons of my early American 
companions, the sons of my comrades of '89, and my 
new brethren in arms of 1830. In this H6tel de Ville, 
twice the cradle of the freedom of Europe, have this day 
been presented the resolutions of the city of Philadel- 
phia — of that city where, on the 4th of July, 1776, was 
proclaimed the declaration of independence, the date of 
a new era of liberty for the two worlds — of a liberty 
that, for the first time, was founded upon the genuine 
rights of the human race. 

'• Five years ago, at the commemoration of a great anni- 
versary at Boston, on proposing as a toast, ' The emanci- 
pation of the American hemisphere,' which had been 
effected in the course of half a century, I prophesied 
that before the next fiftieth anniversary came round, the 
toast would be, 'The emancipation of Europe.' May 
this prediction be verified I A disciple of the American 
school, as you all well know, — and were I capable of 
forgetting it, there are many who would remind me of it, — 
it is most natural that I should drink to the memory of 
my teacher — my adopted father: I propose to you, 'The 
memory of Washington.' " 



THE KAWJIT OF LIBERTY. 427 



CHAPTER XV 

La Fayette's Personal Appearance — His Health — His Sight — 
Expression of his Countenance — His Temperate Habits — His 
Dress — His Economy of Time — La Fayette's Home at La 
Grange — The Estate — The Grounds — The Terraced Lawns — 
Brilliant Flowers — The Ivy planted by Charles Fox — The 
Chateau — La Fayette's Apartments — Numerous Mementos 
and Curiosities — Cannon of the Revolution of 1830 — A Famous 
Cockatoo — The Small Chapel — The Trophy of Flags — Mem- 
orable Paintings — Interesting Engravings — American Decla- 
ration of Independence — Farewell Address of President Wash- 
ington — The Illustrious Trio — The American Gallery — Pri- 
vate Apartments of La Fayette — Many Memorials — La 
Fayette's Epaulettes — Interesting Uniforms — La Fayette's 
Library — Famous American Folio — Seals, Banners, Civic 
Crowns, and other Mementos — Souvenirs of General Washing- 
ton — His Glasses — Umbrella — Ring — Decoration of Cincin- 
nati — Franklin's Cane and Pin — Sad Mementos of Riego — 
A Curious Box — American Relics — The Sword of Honor 
presented to General La Fayette by Congress — Full Description 
of this Sword — Monumental Vase presented by the National 
Guard of France — La Fayette's Museum — Indian Curiosities 
— Benevolence of the La Fayette Family — La Fayette's Cliar- 
acter — His Moral and Intellectual Faculties — His Beau Ideal 
of Life — His Conscience — His Moral Integrity — His Love of 
Truth — His Patriotism — His Generosity — His Ambition — 
His Estimate of Reputation and Glory — His Equitable Disposi- 
tion — His Rule of Conduct — His Physical Endurance — His 
Frankness — His Conversation — His Speeches — Comments 
upon his English Comjjosition — His Style — His Letters — 
His Handwriting — His Ideas of Liberty and Equality — His 
Abhorrence of Violent Measures — His L^ndaunted Courage — 
His Ideas of Education — His Opinions regarding Labor — His 



428 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

Recognition of Liberty of Conscience — His Efforts in Behalf of 
the African Race — His Abhorrence of Slavery — His Efforts 
regarding Prison Reforms — His Horror of Capital Punishment 
— His Opinions in Questions of Morals, Jurisprudence, Policy, 
and Public Economy — Comments on his Character from the 
Encyclopaedia Britannica — La Fayette's Influence in France — 
Interesting Interview with La Fayette — His Occupations in 
Paris — His Last Sickness — His Death — His Grave. 

" He is the freeman whom the truth makes free, 
And all are slaves besides." — Cowper. 

" "T A FAYETTE was tall and well proportioned. He 
J--^ was decidedly inclined to stontness, though not to 
obesity. His head was large ; his face oval and regular ; 
his forehead lofty and open ; his eyes, which were full of 
goodness and intelligence, were large and prominent, of a 
grayish blue, and surmounted with light and well-arched, 
but not bushy eyebrows ; his nose was aquiline ; his 
mouth, which was habitually embellished with a natural 
smile, was seldom opened except to utter kind and gra- 
cious expressions ; his complexion was clear ; his cheeks 
were slightly colored, and, at the age of seventy-seven, 
not a single wrinkle furrowed his countenance, the ordi- 
nary expression of which was that of candor and frank- 
ness. 

" Gifted with a strong and vigorous constitution, which 
was not developed till late in life, and which was enfee- 
bled neither by the vicissitudes of a career passed amidst 
political convulsions, nor by the sufferings and privations 
which he underwent during his captivity, La Fayette, 
notwithstanding his advanced age, enjoyed his intellec- 
tual faculties to their full extent, and was rendered by 
his moral energy superior to circumstances which bow 
doAvn or crush the generality of mankind. 

"During the la,tter years of his life his health was 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 429 

good, or at most troubled at but rare intervals by slight 
indispositions, or by transient tits of gout. . . . 

" La Fayette's sight was excellent ; but of late his 
hearing had lost something of its delicacy, and the cir- 
cumstance was the more perceptible whenever he felt 
indisposed. His perceptions, both morally and physi- 
cally speaking, were keen, and he usually gave free 
vent to the manifestations of his agreeable impressions. 
Those of a contrary nature his strength of mind enabled 
him to support, or at least to dissemble, in order that 
he might spare his friends the knowledge of his 
sufferings. 

" His physiognomy, which was habitually calm, gave a 
faithful reflection of the movements of his soul, and at 
times assumed much expression, though it was less under 
the influence of his sensations than of his sentiments. 
According to the circumstances in which he was placed, 
joy, hope, pity or gratitude, tenderness or severity, were 
by turns predominant in his eyes and in every feature of 
his countenance. 

" His deportment was noble and dignified, but his gait, 
since the year 1803, was rather constrained, in conse- 
quence of the accident of a broken thigh, which com- 
pelled him to lean on his cane when walking, and pre- 
vented him from sitting down with ease and quickness, 
on account of a stiffness in the hip joint. His other 
movements were easy and natural, and though he had 
but little suppleness in his fingers, his gestures were 
graceful, and rarely abrupt, even in the moments when his 
conversation was most animated. The tone of his voice was 
naturally serious, soft, and agreeable, or strong and sono- 
rous, according to the circumstances under which he 
spoke. When the subject of conversation was gay, he 
laughed heartily, but even the excess of his mirth was 



430 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

never displayed in sudden and violent bursts of laugh- 
ter. 

" He dined at home as often as possible, and his frugal 
meal invariably consisted of a little fish and the wing of 
a chicken ; he drank nothing but water. I have not the 
least doubt that his sobriety and temperance, and the 
regularity of his regimen, greatly contributed to exempt 
him from the infirmities of old age. 

" La Fayette's dress was always extremely simple, and 
free from everything like pretension. He usually wore 
a long gray or dark-colored great-coat, a round hat, pan- 
taloons, and gaiters, as represented in the full-length por- 
trait executed some years ago by M. Scheffer, and which 
resembles him in every respect. 

'* He was remarkably clean and neat in his person, even 
to minuteness, and for this reason his valet de chambre. 
Bastien, who had been long in his service, and never 
quitted him, became at last indispensable for his com- 
fort. . . . 

'' During his latter years. La Fayette led an agreeable 
and regular existence, every instant of his time having 
its stated occupation. His moments of recreation were 
spent with his family, or amongst a circle of intimate 
friends, on whom he bestowed the hours not devoted to 
his legislative labors or to his numerous correspondents. 
He ever regarded time as a gift of which the best use was 
to be made, and, according to his own expression, ' he was 
not at liberty to lose it himself, and still less to occasion 
the loss of it to others.' If he was not always exact to 
the hour of appointment given or accepted by him, the 
multiplicity of his engagements and his preoccupation of 
mind were the cause of the delay ; but in important cases 
his punctuality was praiseworthy. 

"He never indulged in anv of tliose social games to 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 



431 



which people have recourse by way of amusement, or to 
kill time, as the phrase is generally used. He was fond 
of the country, and, when not detained in Paris by busi- 
ness, usually retired to La Grange, where his existence 
was altogether patriarchal." 

M. ClofiiLe.t in his quaint book of Recollections of La 
Fayette, gives a full and interesting description of La 
Fayette's home at La Grange, of the grounds, chateau. 




La Fayette's library, museum, and many curiosities gath- 
ered there. As C'loquet was his family surgeon and 
warm personal friend for years, as well as a frequent 
visitor to the La Fayette estate, and was also present at 
the death-bed of the illustrious general, his account may 
be deemed authentic. From his long and detailed de- 
scription, covering more than one hundred pages, the fol- 
lowing prominent featui-es are here culled. 

The estate of La Grange is situated thirteen leagues 



432 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

east of Paris. The chateau stands in the centre of a 
farm containing eight hundred French acres. The roads 
leading to the chdteau cross the property, and are well 
laid out and carefully kept in order. The entrance into 
the park is through a wide, handsome avenue bordered 
with apple-trees. This avenue, turning to the left, passes 
l)y the farm and an old chapel, and crossing a plantation 
of chestnut-trees, extends for some distance through a 
grove of dark-green ornamental trees until it reaches the 
chateau. The drawbridge, which formerly existed over 
the moat, has been replaced by a stone bridge with para- 
pets. The entrance is by a large door composed of two 
arches, the one having on the sides two deep excavations 
which received a portion of the woodwork and the 
chains of the old bridge, the other forming the real 
door. On either side of the door rises a substantial 
stone tower, in which narrow windows are pierced. The 
walls to the level of the tiled roof, b}^ which they are 
surmounted, are covered with moss and tufted ivy, be- 
tween the foliage of which may be seen the outline of 
the casement of the towers. The ivy was planted by the 
celebrated Charles Fox, during his stay at La Grange 
with General Fitzpatrick, after the Peace of Amiens. 
The court, through which is the entrance, has the form 
of an irregular square, and is light and spacious, and 
looks out upon the beautiful i)ark on which it opens. 

The following view of the chateau was furnished by 
General Carbonel, and represents })art of the park, lawn, 
and residence. The chateau has two stories besides the 
ground floor. The walls are covered on the outside with 
ivy, Virginia jasmins, etc., and the entire dwelling is 
surrounded vrith fine trees and enormous weeping wil- 
loAvs, which gracefully bend their branches towards the 
waters of the moat, Avhich is from thirty to forty feet in 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 



433 



breadth and seven feet in depth. The moat has been 
tilled up on one side of the chateau, leaving a level pas- 
sage to the lawn. The waters of the moat are clear and 
limpid, being fed by a stream that runs from one of the 
])onds of the farm, and line fish are 'ke^t in it. On the 
outside it is surrounded with terraced slopes of green 
sward enamelled with brilliant flowers. 




On the ground floor of the chateau, and communicating 
with the vestibule, are a small chaj^el, a large dining-room, 
and further on, the kitchens. A wide stone staircase, 
well lighted, leads to the two reception-rooms, to the La 
Fayette museum, and to the corridors which conduct to 
the other apartments of the family, and to those re- 
served for friends. 



434 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 

La Fayette's apartments on the second floor consist 
of an ante-chamber, a bedroom, and a library, the win- 
dows of which look out upon the park, and command a 
view of the farm beyond. At the entrance of the vesti- 
bule are two small pieces of cannon, which the Parisians 
at the period of the Revolution of 1830 had mounted 
upon coach-wheels to attack the troops of Charles X. 
The conquerors afterwards presented them to La Fay- 
ette. Near the cannons a white cockatoo reposes on his 
perch. This fine bird was presented to the general by 
his friend Benjamin Constant because the cockatoo had 
always shown a marked preference for La Fayette, and 
welcomed his coming with joy, while to M. Constant's 
other guests the bird was quite indifferent. The small 
chapel, opening on the vestibule, is now hung with black 
and devoted to the exclusive use of the family. The 
altar is adorned with an ivory crucifix and with silver 
candelabra. Two tablets on the wall contain Scripture 
quotations and passages from the Book of Tobias. 

On the wall of the vestibule, facing the great door of 
the salon, may be seen a trophy of flags, artistically 
grouped, and recalling historical events. Amongst them 
are flags belonging to the old Paris National Guard of 
1789, also tri-colored flags borne in the Eevolution of 
1830, together with several American and Polish flags. 
Li one of the large reception-rooms are marble busts of 
Monroe and Quincy Adams, Presidents of the United 
States. Over the door is a painting representing the 
Port of Passage in Spain, where La Fayette first em- 
barked for America. The Victory is shown just setting 
sail from the harbor. To the right and left of the door 
are two other fine paintings. One represents the French 
Federation in the Champ de Mars ; the other, the storm- 
ing of the Bastile. The latter painting was exhibited in 



/ 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 435 

the Louvre in 1790. La Fayette was examining it there 
with much enthusiasm, and exclaimed to his friend be- 
side him, while gazing upon the stirring scene with 
ardent admiration, "Whoever becomes the possessor of 
that picture will be a happy man ! " The artist, Robert, 
was at that moment standing behind La Fayette, and 
hearing the remark he advanced and said, '' General, be 
happy ; that picture is yours," 

On the wall to the right of this reception-room hang 
beautiful engravings of the American Declaration of 
Independence and the Farewell Address of President 
Washington. 

One of the most interesting ornaments in this room 
is a marble bust of La Fayette, sculptured by the artist 
David, and placed on a small pedestal between the por- 
traits of Washington and Franklin. The flag of the 
American frigate, the Brandyivine, shades the portraits 
of these three friends, seemingly uniting their memories 
by its azure folds, while its silver stars float above their 
heads. Washington, La Fayette, and Franklin form an 
illustrious trio of immortal names. The second reception- 
room may be called the American Oallery. On one side 
stands a handsome bronze bust of Washington by the 
artist David. Above this bust hang the portraits of 
John Adams, and Quincy Adams, both Presidents of 
the United States. Upon the opposite wall are placed 
portraits of Presidents Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, and 
Jackson. 

A small staircase leads to the private apartments of 
La Fayette. Kear the entrance door is placed a portrait 
of the corporal of the prison of Olmiitz, made from a 
sketch drawn by La Fayette's daughter Anastasie dur- 
ing their imprisonment. She is said to have made the 
sketch upon her thumb-nail to avoid the notice of their 



436 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



jailers. The hangings in La Fayette's bed-chamber are 
of yellow silk, the furniture is simple, and the walls of 
the room are covered with family portraits and engrav- 
ings. On one side of the chimney hangs a large minia- 




ture of Mr. F. K. Huger, the son of Major Huger of 
South Carolina, who may be called La Fayette's deliv- 
erer, on account of his bold attempt to secure his release 
from the prison of Olmiitz. The portrait is surroimded 
with a gold frame of exquisite workmanship and inclosed 



THE KNWHT OF LIBERTY, 



437 



in a box of massive gold. It was presented to La Fay- 
ette in 1825 by the city of Charleston. Above the bed 
is a painting representing a group of American officers, 
together with La Fay- 
ette and General Ro- 
ehambeau, at the siege 
of Yorktown. Upon 
a chest of drawers is 
placed a silver vase 
presented to La Fay- 
ette by the midship- 
men of the Brandy- 
HJi7ie frigate. Among 
numerous decorations 
on the vase, consist- 
ing of vine leaves, 
river gods, and acan- 
thus leaves, the Amer- 
ican eagle is carved 
on one side grasping 
in one of his talons a 
bundle of javelins, 
and in the other an 
olive-branch : above 
him floats a cloud 
spangled with stars. 
Upon the base of the 
vase are three bas- 
reliefs representing 
the Capitol at Wash- 
ington, La Fayette's visit to the tomb of Washington, 
and the arrival of the Brandywine at Havre. 

Near the vase is a box containing the silver epaulettes, 
embroidered with three stars, which La Fayette wore as 
Commander-in-chief of the National Guard. 




i'i;esemeu dv Till. i; 

nidsliipmcn of the U. S. frigate -1 

iniANDYWlNli t 




o.^i/v.aesT.tFL&zF^, 



438 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



Beside the chimney stands the cane usually carried by 
La Fayette. It was the gift of Commodore Taylor. The 
head is a stag's horn, with a gold plate upon the side, 
with the name of the giver and receiver. In the presses 
of the bed-chamber are preserved the general's clothes. 
Amongst them is a complete uniform of the Warsaw 
National Guard, presented by the Poles ; also a blue 
cloth suit, given to him by the Americans of Carolina. 
The cloth of the coat and the massive gold buttons are 





of Carolina manufacture. On the buttons is the head of 
Washington. 

La Fayette's library contains numerous paintings, in 
the cameo style, representing Washington, Franklin, and 
many others. There are many fine works of German 
and English history, and various other valuable books. 
A special place is reserved for American works. The 
most remarkable among these is a superb manuscript 
folio, presented to La Fayette by the city of New York. 
It contains the acts and deliberations of that city, together 
with a narrative of the events which relate to La Fay- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 



4;;9 





ette's visit there. It is adorned with artistic pen draw- 
ings. The volume is richly bound, and to preserve it 
from injur}^ is inclosed in a mahogany box with lock and 
key. 

The furniture of this room is of mahog- 
any, with the exception of two chairs, 
the cushions of which were embroidered 
by Madame La Fayette. In 
the table drawer are two seals ; 
one bears La Fayette's mono- 
gram ; the other, the head of 
Washington, surrounded by 
rays. Among the other mementos in this 
I'oom is a Roman standard, presented to 
Greneral La Fayette by tlie city of Lyons. 
This trophy is ornamented with a crown 
of oak leaves, surmounted by the Gallic 
cock, inclosing a large shield, on one side 
of which is represented the self-devoted 
Curtius, })recipitating himself into the 
gulf, the flames of which 
already envelop his 
horse's breast, and on the 
other side of the shield is 
\^^^»il\^^P/ '^ lion, which had been 
adopted as the arms of that 
city. 
Another interesting relic is a civic 
crown of silver, presented to La Fayette 
by the town of Grenoble. Near it is a 
handsome medal presented by the electors 
of Meaiix. Upon one side is a striking likeness of La 
Fayette, together with the memorable dates, 1789 and 
1830. On the other side, a civic crown forms a frame 
for the words of dedication. 




440 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



There are a number of quaint souvenirs of General 
Washington, which were highly prized by La Fayette. 
One is an ivory-handled j^air of glasses mounted in sil- 
ver, constantly used by Washington ; also a long-handled 
parasol, with an ivory to]), which was generally attached 




to the horse's saddle when Washington travelled. There 
is also a piece of tapestry embroidered by Mrs. Washing- 
ton, which was presented to La Fayette by her grand- 
daughter. Here may be seen, too, the ring given to the 
marquis at Mount Yernon during his last visit to Amer- 
iea, b}' the grandson of Mrs. Wash- 
ington, in the name of the family. 
The chestnut hair in the middle of 
the ring is Washington's ; the white 
hair on each side, that of his wife. 
Around the hair are the words, 
'• Pater Patriae " ; on the sides, " Mount Vernon " ; and 
behind, the following inscription : — 

La Fayette. 

1777. 

PRO. NOVI. ORBIS. LIBERTATE. 

DECERTABAT. JUVENIS. 

STABILITAM. SENEX. 

INVENIT. 

1824. 




THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 



441 



One of the most interesting- among the Washington 
souvenirs is the Decoration of the Cincinnati, worn by 
Washington. The Society of the (Hncinnati, recognizing 
the assistance which Amer- 
ica had received from France, 
sent the decoration of the 
order to the Counts d'Es- 
taing, de Grasse, de Barras, 
de Kochambeau, and to La 
Fayette. Washington had 
been president of the order. 
The decoration, of enamelled 
gold, is framed in a hiurel 
crown, sustained by two cor- 
nucopias, interwoven togeth- 
er, from which issues fruit, 
and which are themselves 
suspended to the ribbon by 
an oblong ring, formed by 
two tresses attached to- 
gether. The American eagle, 
with extended wings, occu- 
pies the middle of the crown, 
and bears a shield on each 
side. On one of the shields 
may be seen Cincinnatus 
leaning on his plough, and 
receiving the Roman depu- 
ties, who present him with 
the sword of the dictator. 

Around it are these words, written in letters of gold on 
a sky-blue ground: "Omnia. Rp:lixquit. Sera^ake. 
Eempu." 

On the other shield Cincinnatus is re])resented as 




442 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



resuming his agricultural labors, and guiding a plough. 
At a little distance is his cottage. This scene is illum- 
ined by the sun, and around are the words : " Soci. Cin. 
Rum. Inst. a.d. 1783. Virt. Prae." 

The figures of the shields are of dead gold, the ground 
of green, and the background of carnation enamel. The 
decoration is attached to a sky-blue watered silk ribbon, 
edged with a white piping, in token of the alliance be- 
tween France and America, and held together b}^ a gold 
clasp. The ribbon used by AVashington is much worn. 
On the morocco leather box which encloses the decora- 
tion, are the words, " Washington's Cincinnati Badge." 

Here may also be seen a cane, formerly 
used by Franklin, which was given to La 
Fayette on his last visit to America. Also 
a pin, ])resented to La Fayette by Frank- 
lin's granddaughter. This contains the 
hair, and presents Frank- 
lin's monogram. Near it 
is a ring containing the 
hair and portrait of the 
celebrated English Avritcr. 
Jeremy Bentham. In a crystal box, mounted in gold, 
and closed with a small padlock, lie two sad mementos 
of the unfortunate Riego, who i)erished on the scaffold. 

Just before the 
terril)le end he 
untied his black 
silk cravat and 
sent it, with a 
lock of his hair, 
to his wife. 
Madame Riego afterwards divided these sacred relics 
with La Fayette. Through the clear crystal the memo- 
rable souvenirs may be reverently examined. 






THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 



443 




Another curiosity is a round wooden box. The lid is 
divided into four parts formed of different woods. The 
wahuit wood is from the last tree of the forest of Penn, 
cut down in 1818, opposite 
to the Hall of Independ- 
ence. The elm wood is 
from the treaty tree. The 
oak is from the first bridge 
constructed on the Dock 
Creek. The mahogany is 
from the house of Christopher Columbus. 

There is also another interesting American relic, in the 
shape of a cane, upon which is carved a portrait of La 
Fayette. During La Fayette's last visit to America an 
old captain sought him out in Nashville, and with tears 
in his eyes, embraced him, saying : " I have had two 
happy days in my existence — that on which I landed 
with you at Charleston, in 1777, and this day. I have 
seen and embraced you. I now desire to live no longer. 
I have nothing but this cane, on which you see your por- 
trait ; I request you to accept it, and to keep it in mem- 
ory of one of your old soldiers and companions in arms." 

Another handsome souvenir is a sword presented to 
La Fayette by the New York militia. Also a sword of 
ivory and gold, presented to La Fayette by Colonel Muir 
in the name of the ninth regiment of artillery of New 
York. 

But the memento of the greatest importance in the 
collection is probably the sword of honor presented to 
La Fayette by Congress, and transmitted to him by 
Franklin, through his grandson. We have mentioned 
this sword previously, but did not describe it. This 
weapon is a chef cVoeuvre of art. During the Eeign of 
Terror, Madame La Fayette, fearing it would be seized, or- 



444 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 




dered the sword 
to be buried. It 
remained con- 
cealed for many 
years and was 
thus saved. 

When George 
La Fayette re- 
turned from 
America, while 
his father was 
still in exile, he 
disinterred this 
famous weapon, 
but f o u n d the 
blade had been 
completely d e- 
stroyed by rust. 
George was able 
to preserve only 
the handle and 
the mounting, 
w h i c h he con- 
veyed secretly to 
his father in 
Holland, running 
great risks there- 
by, as it was very 
dangerous to take 
gold out of France 
in those unset- 

Sword presented by the 9th Regt. of Artillery of New York, •j-lp--] fii-npo On 

La Fayette's return to France, he conceived the happy 
idea of adjusting to this handle, the blade of the sword 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 



445 




presented to him 
by the National 
Guard of Paris. 
This blade was 
manufactured 
from the iron 
bolts and bars of 
the Bastile, and 
presents some 
allegorical sub- 
jects connected 
with the destruc- 
tion of that re- 
nowned fortress. 
The sword as 
it now appears is 
thus described. 
" The knob of the 
handle presents, 
on one side, a 
shield with La 
Fayette's a r m s 
— a marquis's 
coronet sur- 
mounted by a 
s t r e a m r — on 
w h i c h is in- 
scribed the mot- 
to, ^CuR Nox.' 
On the other side 
is a medallion 
representing the 
first quarter of the moon, whose rays are shed over the sea, 
and the land of the American continent, which is per- 



Sword presented by the American Congress. 



440 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
ceived on the horizon. The coasts of France form the 
foreground of the scene, surmounted by a floating band, 
on which are read the words : ' Ores cam ut Prosim,' — 
an alhision to the rising liberty and the subsequent pros- 
])erity of America. In the centre of the handle, on each 
side, are two oblong medallions : the first represents La 
Fayette, who has drawn the sword, and overthrown the 
English lion at his feet. The general is on the point of 
despatching him, but he pauses, extends his hand, and 
seems inclined to spare his life. On the other medallion 
America is represented as having just broken her fetters. 
She is portrayed under the form and features of a young 
woman, half-clad, seated under a military tent. In one 
hand she holds her broken chains, and with the other 
she presents a laurel branch to La Fayettte. 

" Above and below the two preceding medallions are 
military emblems of arms, and two crowns of laurel 
which encircle the handle. On the sides of the guard 
are other trophies of arms ; and on one of them are the 
words: 'From the American Congress to Marquis 
La Fayette, 1779.' 

"The curved parts of the guard are carved on both 
sides, and represent on their medallions four memorable 
events of the American war in which La Fayette was 
distinguished by his prudence or his courage. They are 
•The Battle of Gloucester ix the Jerseys,' 'The 
Eetreat of Barren Hill,' ' The Battle of Mon- 
mouth,' ' The Eetreat of Rhode Island.' 

" The blade of the sword is flat and double-edged. On 
one side is a medallion damaskeened in gold, and sus- 
pended by chains of the same metal, which stand out 
admirably on the azure ground of the steel. It repre- 
sents the taking of the Bastile. The populace of Paris, 
placed in the foreground of the scene, lay siege to the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 447 

fortress, the ramparts of which give way under the 
repeated cannonade. The besieged make a vigorous 
resistance from the summit of the towers, and Fame flies 
through the air, announcing by sound of trumpet the 
hrst year of liberty. Beneath the medallion are two 
lighted flambeaux, from the centre of which issue the 
supi)orters of a bell put in motion to sound the tocsin. 
These flambeaux are joined by a crosspiece supporting a 
drapery, on which may be read, '^The Revival of 
Liberty.' 

"^ On the other side of the blade may be observed four 
medallions, also supported by chains tastefully arranged. 
In tw^o of these medallions the polished steel of the 
Hade is bare; in a third is seen a prisoner breaking the 
fetters which had been attached to his hands and feet, 
and quitting the stake to which he had been bound ; the 
fourth represents the column of liberty erected on the 
ruins of the Bastile, and rising above the other build- 
ings, which are perceived on the sides. Beneath the lat- 
ter medallion is represented the head of Medusa, and on 
each side are two fires, the flames of which melt the 
chains interwoven together, and supporting and uniting 
these different objects. On the drapery, at the bottom, 
are engraved the words, 'Year IY. of Liberty.' 

'^ The mounting of the scabbard is of gold, and carved. 
On one side is perceived a large oval medallion, which 
represents Fame borne on the clouds. The goddess 
crosses the ocean, preceding the vessel which conveys 
La Fayette back to France, and which is perceived in the 
horizon. In one hand she holds the crown awarded to La 
Fayette by America, and in the other, the trumpet with 
which she announces his exploits to France, as indicated 
by the three flears-de-Us embroidered on the banner oi' 
the instrument. On the other side is an irregr.lar shield 



448 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

encircled Avitli a laurel branch, intended to receive La 
Fayette's monogram." 

But we must not overlook one most impressive object 
in the general's library. This is the magnificent monu- 
mental vase presented by the National G-uard of France 
to La Fayette. It was commenced in 1831, but owing to 
some delay, it was not finished until 1835, at which time 
the illustrious La Fayette had passed beyond all earthly 
honors and human homage. It was accordingly pre- 
sented in the name of the National G-uard of France to 
George Washington La Fayette, who received the pre- 
cious deposit in memory of his adored father, as a holy 
memento and noble inheritance, and reverently placed 
it in the general's library, by the side of the other sacred 
relics consecrated to his memory. 

" The vase, which is of silver gilt, and the stand, in 
the form of a votive altar and of the same metal, is about 
four feet high. The handles are formed of two strong 
vine-stalks, attached at one end to the edges of the neck, 
and supported at the other by two lions' heads. The 
neck is enriched Avith a civic crown, and the bottom of 
the vase is ornamented with leaves of aquatic plants, 
separated by stems of the sugar-cane and coffee-tree. 
( )n one of the sides of the vase, the genius of the fine 
arts and the genius of industry, surrounded with their 
attributes, support a drapery, on which may be read, 

' France 
To General La Fayette/ 

" On the other side, surrounded with a glory, is the 
date 1830. The pedestal is square, with splayed-off cor- 
ners, and is decorated with four statues and four bas- 
reliefs, Avhich may be regarded as so many masterpieces 
of taste and historical illustration. The statues, which 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 



44y 



represent Liberty, 
Equality, Force, and 
Wisdom, are placed 
upright on a project- 
ing ledge prepared 
to receive tliem. 
Liberty is represent- 
ed under the form 
of a young Avoman in 
full drapery, and 
Avith a Phrygian cap 
on her head. In 
one hand she holds 
the national flag, 
and in the other, the 
sword to defend it, 
whilst she tramples 
under foot a set of 
broken chains. 
Equality is repre- 
sented by a goddess 
holding in her right 
hand the levelling- 
plane, while she 
leans with her left 
upon a table of laAYS, 
thus presenting the 
symbol of constitu- 
tional equality. 
Force is represented 
by a female in the 
prime of life. Her head is covered, and she is partly 
clothed with a lion's skin, Avhich falls on her back and her 
left shoulder. She leans on a bundle of rods, to indicate 




450 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
tliat her strength depends on union. Wisdom is rej)re- 

sented under the form of a young female of severe aspect ; 
her drapery is tasteful, and her head is covered with the 
helmet of Minerva. Her calm and grave attitude indi- 
cates reflection. 

"The four sides of the altar are ornamented with as 
many bas-reliefs, well chosen, and representing the fol- 
lowing events connected with the life of La Fayette. 
The first bas-relief represents the capitulation of Lord 
Cornwallis. La Fayette, with the generals and the re- 
spective staffs of the French and American army, receives 
General O'Hara, as he delivers the sword of Cornwallis 
to Washington. The second bas-relief rej^resents La 
Fayette taking the civic oath to the French Federation, 
July 14, 1790. 

"The third bas-relief represents the visit of the Duke of 
Orleans, lieutenant-general of the kingdom, to the H6tel 
de Ville, July 31, 1830. 

"The fourth bas-relief represents the distribution of 
the standards to the National Guard at Paris, Aug. 29, 
1830." 

The room which now serves for the museum was for- 
merly the entrance to the apartment of Madame La Fay- 
ette. After her death. La Fayette ordered the door of 
communication to be walled up, so that the room could 
only be entered by himself through a back door. On 
stated days the marquis repaired thither, either alone or 
with his children, to pay sad homage to the memory of 
her who was enshrined in their hearts with an undying 
affection. 

The museum is filled with numerous objects, such as 
models of machines, etc., many stuffed birds and reptiles, 
shells and minerals, together with a quantity of weapons 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 451 

of all kinds, and numberless Indian curiosities collected 
by La Fayette during Ins several visits to America. 

Tlie inmates of La Grange were illustrious for their 
many deeds of benevolence. Their poorer neighbors were 
constantly aided by the general and his children. In 
times of special sickness among the poor, large sums were 
expended by La Fayette and his family in their behalf. 
Many charming f^tes were held at the Chateau, and La 
Fayette was always the centre of a brilliant circle. The 
venerable marquis was a model host. His guests enjoyed 
freedom without restraint, and the most delightful enter- 
tainment without officiousness. His children and grand- 
children seem to have inherited many of his fine traits of 
mind and character ; and there are few instances given 
in history of such a perfect home-life as was witnessed 
at La Grange, especially before the removal of her who 
was the centre of all its sunshine and the guiding star of 
her illustrious husband. 

The character of La Fayette was singularly lofty, and 
he was strongly attracted towards all that was good, 
great, noble, or generous in human nature. His moral 
and intellectual faculties were keen, his reason was solid, 
and his judgment was sure. He was not led into imprac- 
ticable theories by too ardent an imagination, and his 
enthusiasms were always based upon his conscience and 
his reason. 

His views of morality and politics were very compre- 
hensive, but his heau ideal of life was always held within 
the bounds of possibility, and governed by the claims of 
usefulness, justice, and honor. He was great even in 
small circumstances, for he lifted the little to a place of 
importance by the exact attention he bestowed upon it. 
He judged mankind by his own exalted nature, and his 
illusions regarding them arose from the impossibility of 



452 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
such an upright mind as he possessed being callable of 

perceiving or believing that others were so far beneath 
the high motives which governed his own thoughts and 
actions. " His conscience was his guiding star, his cour- 
age the pilot that led him safe through the storm by 
which France was overwhelmed, and his progress through 
that grand epoch was marked b}' patriotism, civic cour- 
age, and a series of advantageous reforms and liberal 
institutions, with which he assisted to ameliorate the 
condition of France." 

La Fayette passed untainted through an age of corrup- 
tion, and was proof against the seductive excesses of the 
court of Louis XV., and retained his moral integrity in 
the midst of the temptations and the terrible whirlwinds 
of political storms which raged with relentless fury dur- 
ing the reign of the unfortunate Louis XYI. To his early 
avowed principles of liberty and patriotism he was ever 
true as the needle to the magnet. No emoluments could 
bribe him to advocate a wrong principle ; no terrors could 
deter him from stanchly and fearlessly upholding what 
his conscience acknowledged to be the cause of truth and 
liberty. 

"La Fayette loved truth above all things, and rejected 
all that could change or corrupt its nature. Like Epami- 
nondas, he would not have suffered himself, even in joke, 
to utter the slightest falsehood. He was the mirror of 
truth, even in the midst of political parties, whose con- 
demnation he pronounced by presenting to them the hide- 
ous image of their passions. He thus offended without 
convincing them, and the mirror, being declared deceitful, 
was destined to be broken." He was heard to say: "The 
court would have accepted me had I been an aristocrat, 
and the Jacobins, had I been a Jacobin ; but, as 1 wished 
to side with neither, both uuited a<>-ainst me."' 



THE KNIGHT OF LinKUTY. 453 

The following incident is related, illustrative of La 
Fayette's generosity : — 

" On the occasion of his last visit to America, General 
La Fayette having learned that the family of his old 
aide-de-camp, Colonel Neville, was in difficulties, before he 
embarked for France drew a bill of exchange in their 
favor, on the President of the United States, for the sum 
of four thousand dollars, and addressed it to the children 
of M. Neville. It may be easily conceived that the lat- 
ter declined making use of it; but they keep it as a 
precious document which reflects equal honor on the 
memory of their father and on the noble generosity of 
La Fayette." 

La Fayette's ambition was not a selfish desire to rise 
above others, to achieve personal fame ; but to do good, 
by the performance of noble actions and important ser- 
vices in behalf of humanity. He thus defines his own 
impulses in a letter to the Bailli de Ploen : " An irresist- 
ible passion that would induce me to believe in innate 
ideas and the truth of prophecy, has decided my career. 
I have always loved liberty with the enthusiasm which 
actuates the religious man, with the passion of a lover, 
and with the conviction of a geometrician. On leaving 
college, where nothing had displeased me more than a 
state of dependence, I viewed the greatness and the 
littleness of the court with contempt, the frivolities of 
society with pity, the minute pedantry of the army with 
disgust, and oppression of every sort with indignation. 
The attraction of the American Eevolutic.n drew me sud- 
denly to my proper place ; I felt myself trancpiil only 
when sailing between the continent whose jiowers I had 
braved, and the place where, although our arrival and 
our ultimate success were problematical, I could, at tlic^ 
age of nineteen, take refuge in the alternati^'e of con- 



454 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
quering or perishing in the cause to which I had devoted 
myself." 

La Fayette valued reputation and prized glory, but 
was indifferent to the personal power resulting from 
them. Being asked who, in his opinion, was the great- 
est man of his age, he replied : " In ni}^ idea, G-eneral 
Washington is the greatest man; for I look upon him 
as the most virtuous." 

M. Cloquet says of La Fayette's equitable disposi- 
tion : — 

" I doubt if La Fayette was ever in a passion ; at least 
I have no recollection of having seen him lose his temper, 
even under circumstances that might have occasioned or 
excused one of those violent movements of the soul 
which few men are able to master. When any circum- 
stance annoyed him, he became taciturn, his forehead 
and eyebrows slightly contracted, and a shade of sadness 
was visible on his countenance; but these moments of 
uneasiness rather than of ill humor were not of long 
duration, and his features soon recovered their serenity. 
One day one of his friends had uttered, from the tribune 
of the Lower Chamber, certain opinions which he repelled 
as utterly at variance with his principles. The only 
phrase in which he expressed his dissatisfaction was, 
' Well, well, he lacks common sense.' These words he 
pronounced in a firm tone of voice, though evidently 
with much emotion." 

That which was right was always the rule of La Fay- 
ette's conduct ; the inspirations of his heart and the voice 
of his conscience regulated his life. '' Fais ce que dois, 
advienne que pourra " was his motto. His moral facul- 
ties exercised complete control over his physical powers ; 
it was said of him, "He was an intelligence served by 
organs." His calmness was only increased by an in- 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 455 

crease of danger, and the most imminent peril seemed 
but to inspire liim with redoubled courage. 

His surgeon, M. Cloquet, gives this instance of his 
marvellous powers of physical endurance : — 

"During his last illness he acquainted us with the 
nature of the medical treatment which he had undergone 
in 1803 for a fracture of the thigh, occasioned by a fall 
on a slippery pavement. Desehamp and Boyer, whose 
memory I respect, and whom I am proud to have had for 
my masters, were summoned in their professional capac- 
ity to his assistance. The fractured limb was inclosed 
in a machine which kept it in a constant state of tension ; 
and, as La Fayette had promised those skilful surgeons 
to support the pain with patience as long as they might 
judge it necessary for his cure, he uttered not a single 
complaint for the fifteen or twenty days during which 
the apparatus was applied. When it was removed, the 
surgeons were unable to conceal the annoyance they felt 
at the effect produced by the bandages. Desehamp 
turned pale ; Boyer was stupefied ; the upper bandages 
had, by their pressure, cut deeply into the muscles of 
the inside of the thigh, and laid bare the femoral artery : 
the action of the lower ones had been less violent, but 
they had produced a mortification of the skin at the 
back part of the foot and laid bare the tendons of the 
toes. In consequence of La Fayette's stoical fortitude, 
the vigilance of his surgeons was completely at fault. 
Deep scars bore evidence of the truth of one of his 
observations to us, uttered, however, in confidence, 
through an apprehension of injuring, not the interests, 
but the memory of two individuals for whom he felt 
gratitude, although their exertions on his behalf had 
been unsuccessful. A length of time elapsed before he 
recovered from the lamentable consequences which re- 



456 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTEy 

• 
suited from liis medical treatment, and ^Yhich were fol- 
lowed by an almost complete anchylosis and lameness of 
the hip-joint." 

La Eayette's frankness of nature was proverbial. An 
intimate friend of the family, Madame Dupaty, said of 
him : — 

"To appreciate his frankness you must have known 
him as thoroughly as Ave did. He was too honest not to 
leave his keys always in the locks, even in politics." 

La Fayette's conversation was graceful, easy, full of 
good humor, and peculiarly charming, Avithout descend- 
ing to frivolity. He was quick at repartee, and apt in 
uttering hon mots, as the following incidents Avill illus- 
trate : — 

" When he was arrested by the Austrians in 1792, an 

aide-de-camp of Prince de , the enemy's general, came 

to him, on behalf of his superior, to demand the money 
of the army which he had been obliged to leave. La 
Fayette, astonished at the demand, laughed heartil}' ; 
and when the aide-de-camp advised him to take the matter 
more seriously, ' Hoav can I help laughing ? ' said he ; 
'for all that I can understand of your demand is, that 
had your prince been in my place he Avould have run 
away Avith the military chest.' The aide-de-camp had 
nothing to say in reply, took leave of the prisoner, and 
departed as he came." 

When he joined the nobles of Brittany, in 1788, in 
their moA^ement against the government, the queen impa- 
tiently asked him why he, who Avas from Auvergne, 
meddled with the affairs of the Bretons. "I am a 
Breton, Madam," replied La Fayette, "just as your 
Majesty is of the house of Hapsburg." 

As La Fayette's mother AA^as from Brittany, so the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 457 

queen was descended from the house of Hapsburg by 
the female line. 

None of the speeches pronounced by La Fayette in 
the Chamber of Deputies were prepared. His extempore 
addresses were eloquent, dignified, and clear. His lan- 
guage was persuasive and pleasing, and his speeches 
were intelligible to all classes, on account of their sim- 
plicity and the directness of their appeal. 

A friend of La Fayette one day overheard the conver- 
sation of several French artisans, who were discussing 
in the street the merits of the articles in a newspaper 
they were reading, and after criticising with warmth 
many of the writers, the leader exclaimed, " Come, this 
man La Fayette at least speaks French : Ave can under- 
stand what he wishes to say." 

The English language was as familiar to La Fayette 
as the French, and he wrote both with great facility. 
His style was simple, concise, and clear-cut, forceful and 
elevated ; his ideas were well defined, his principles and 
opinions decided and frankly avowed. Regarding the 
English correspondence of La Fayette with his friend 
Masclet, an Englishman thus comments : — 

"La Fayette has happily avoided the two principal 
dangers to which the majority of those Avho attempt to 
write in a foreign language are exposed. His style is as 
free from servile imitation as from grammatical errors or 
faults of idiom : in a word, it is peculiar to himself ; 
it displays the man, though under another costume. It 
is simple without meanness, concise without obscurity, 
dignified without affectation; and often contains those 
happy turns of expression which infuse such a charm 
into letters written in French. Scarcely ever does it 
contain one of those little particles which betray the 
foreign origin of the writer. His letters, it is true, pre- 



458 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
sent some inversions not authorized perhaps by modern 

custom, but by no means at variance with the genius of 
the language. On the contrary, they establish a sort of 
link between the writer and the old English authors. 
Such inversions are admirable for their delicacy and 
na'ivete; without shocking the ear, or proving injurious 
to clearness of expression, they arrest the attention of 
the reader, deck themselves, as it were, in the smile 
resulting from his agreeable surprise, and prevent mo- 
notony of style. La Fayette writes English with much 
facility. His letters present no trace of painful effort 
or labored composition. He seems never to hesitate in 
his choice of a suitable word or turn of expression, 
though he sometimes forgets that the English language 
can with difficulty bend to that nervous and even elliptic 
concision of which a skilful French writer often avails 
himself with so much advantage. This forgetfulness 
occasionally gives an appearance of roughness and even 
abruptness to La Fayette's style. 

" His letters are irreproachable, as presenting a faith- 
ful picture of his mind ; in reading them we feel irre- 
sistibly inclined to love the writei- ; and perhaps in this 
respect they are inferior to nothing ever composed by 
him in his own language. Amongst the English, and 
others who speak that language, such expressions as are 
employed to depict different degrees of friendship are 
certainly less numerous and less graceful than amongst 
the French ; but, on the other hand, such expressions 
have been less frequently subject to the encroachments 
of gallantry or exaggerated politeness, and are conse- 
quently more candid and sincere. In the mouth of such 
a man as La Fayette, it will l)e readily imagined that all 
these qualities ac(xuire new force." 

La Fayette's handwriting was more legible in English 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 459 

than in French. His characters were small and well 
formed. Though he never made rough copies, his letters 
rarely presented erasures. A writer says of the value of 
his letters : — 

" It is almost superfluous to say how La Fayette's let- 
ters were received by those to whom they were addressed. 
It was enough to present them to meet with unlimited 
support, protection, and devotedness. The name of the 
writer was a species of talisman which opened every 
door; and it might have been said that to such as re- 
ceived his letters, a spark was communicated from his 
soul, and a desire to imitate hi^ virtues. Some years 
ago one of my friends, who was a.broad, showed a letter 
from La Fayette to a distinguished personage entrusted 
with the confidence of an absolute sovereign. At sight 
of the letter, the powerful functionary seemed electrified, 
rose from his seat in token of respect, and entreated my 
friend as a special favor to give him a fragment of the 
precious correspondence." 

La Fayette always gave precedence to his duty rather 
than his j^ersonal interests. To the Bailli de Ploen he 
wrote : " So many stupid remarks have been uttered by 
party spirit, that it may not be out of place here to as- 
sert that no private affection has ever diverted me from 
my public duty. In the course of three years of power 
I encouraged none to speak well of me; I prevented 
none from speaking ill ; and to explain my conduct with 
regard to the notorious characters of the Eevolution, it 
will be sufficient to verify their writings, speeches, and 
actions at the same period." 

Regarding his own ideas of liberty and equality, he 
wrote to the same friend : " For my part, as I feel per- 
suaded that the human race was created to enjoy free- 
dom, and as I have been born to promote the cause of 



460 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
liberty, I neither can nor will shrink from the participa- 
tion which it has been my fate to take in this great 
event ; wherever I have been able, and especially in my 
own country, I concurred on principle in all the enter- 
prises undertaken against an illegitimate power which it 
was necessary to destroy, and I now declare to you that 
in 1787 and 1788 the resistance of the privileged classes 
— of the leaders of the aristocracy — had as much of 
the true character of faction as any other insurrection 
that I have since witnessed." 

La Fayette could never be persuaded to use violent 
measures in upholding even a good cause when such an 
expedient was not absolutely necessary. At one time 
during the Revolution, Mirabeau having recommended 
some very violent plans to La Fayette, urging that they 
were excusable for the execution of certain projects. La 
Fayette indignantly exclaimed, "M. de Mirabeau, it is 
impossible for an honest man to employ such means." 

" An honest man ! " replied Mirabeau. " Ah ! M. de 
La Fayette, it seems you wish to be a Grandison Crom- 
well : you will see to what that amalgamation will lead 
you." 

Wherever the voive of duty called La Fayette, no 
danger could make him flinch, no fear of insult could 
deter. During the days of October, 1789, when the pal- 
ace of Versailles was filled with the raging, bloodthirsty 
mob, La Fayette hastened to an apartment where the 
crowd was the thickest, and calmly entered, and crossed 
the Salon without attendants. " There goes CroniAvell ! " 
cried one. Turning to the speaker. La Fayette replied 
with dignity, "Cromwell would not have entered here 
ALONE ! " Notwithstanding the difference of opinion 
between La Fayette and Xapoleon, whenever it appeared 
to La Fayette that his services could be of use to the 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 461 

best interests of his country, he was ever ready to sacri- 
fice all personal feeling. Before the battle of Marengo, 
La Fayette addressed a letter to a friend, instructing him 
to deliver the communication to l^apoleon, in case the 
battle of Marengo should be lost. In this letter La 
Fayette offered his services to Bonaparte, in defence of 
the independence of France. As the battle was won, the 
epistle was not delivered ; but Kapoleon was informed of 
the step which La Fayette contemplated taking in case 
of defeat. One day, while surrounded by his staff of 
officers, Bonaparte expressed his admiration of the patri- 
otism of the man with whom he differed in opinion, and 
added, "Which of you, gentlemen, could have done 
better ? " 

La Fayette always recollected with pride and with 
pleasure the services rendered to France by the National 
Guard, and he thus wrote of them : — 

" The Eevolution had armed France ; it was urgent to 
bestow on her an organization, and to that end the obser- 
vations which I had made in America and in several 
parts of Europe were directed. The ISTational Guard 
was instituted ; this was the sole armed force which 
could maintain internal order without favoring military 
despotism, and by means of which foreign aggression 
could be repelled, whilst the ancient governments were 
reduced to the inability of defending themselves against 
us, unless they imitated us ; or against their subjects, if 
they ventured to follow our example." 

La Fayette was a warm advocate in favor of educating 
the masses; he often said, "that a good education, phys- 
ical, moral, and intellectual, was in his opinion the best 
inheritance that parents could transmit to their children ; 
and he considered it to be their duty to make every sac- 
rifice to insure to their offspring this imperishable ad- 



462 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

* 
vantage, wliicli could not but in time prove conducive to 
their happiness and that of others." He expressed to 
his physician his astonishment that in colleges young 
people were forced to study the course of different rivers 
in India or Mexico, whilst no pains were taken to impart 
to them a knowledge of themselves, by giving them some 
notions of their own organizations and the exercise of 
their functions. He was desirous that great pains should 
be -taken with the moral and political education of the 
people, thus insuring their being well-informed and good 
citizens. He contended that education was calculated to 
purify the manners of a nation, and contribute to its 
happiness. And in proof of his own opinions. La Fay- 
ette himself might well have been cited as a type of a 
perfectly civilized being, whom civilization has improved 
instead of deteriorating; for he had avoided all its vices, 
and followed only with undeviating step the path traced 
by virtue and true liberty. He declared that every 
member of a well-constituted society should receive an 
education that might point out to him the path which he 
ought to pursue between his duties and his rights ; and 
that such an education would prove much more effectual 
for the prevention than the law was for the repression of 
disorder. 

La Fayette considered that labor was the first duty of 
man living in a social state, as it was only by labor that 
one's debt to society could be repaid. He countenanced 
amusements when they were pure and healthful, and 
considered them a necessary relaxation from bodily or 
mental occupations. 

La Fayette recognized liberty of conscience and was 
tolerant of all religious beliefs. " If it be a crime," he 
declared, "to have preferred civil and religious liberty 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 463 

extended equally to all men and all countries, none is 
more guilty than myself." 

AVhen La Fayette had been proscribed in 1792, tlie Na- 
tional Convention confiscated all his property, and or- 
dered his negroes at Cayenne to be sold, in spite of the 
remonstrances of La Fayette, who declared that the ne- 
groes had been purchased only to receive their liberty 
after they had been prepared to exercise it by proper 
education, and not to be again sold as slaves. At a later 
period all the negroes of the French colonies were de- 
clared free by a decree of the National Convention. It 
is interesting to note in connection with this effort of La 
Fayette to bring about the abolition of slavery, that dur- 
ing his last visit to America he visited a free school of 
young Africans in New York, which had been founded 
and instituted by the society for the emancipation of the 
negroes. This incident is related of his visit to this 
school. A young negro approached La Fayette and 
said to him, with much emotion : " You see. General, 
these hundreds of poor African children who appear be- 
fore you ; here they share the benefits of education with 
the children of the whites : like them, they learn to 
cherish the recollection of the services which you have 
rendered to America, and they also revere in you an ar- 
dent friend to the emancipation of their race." 

La Fayette was very desirous of instituting prison 
reforms in France, but he was no advocate for the com- 
plete seclusion of prisoners. " Solitary confinement," 
said he, " is a punishment which to be judged of must 
have been endured." Surely he spoke from a bitter ex- 
perience, for he had suffered its terrible tortures for one 
year. Capital punishment was held in horror by La 
Fayette, and he constantly raised his voice against such 
penalty, especially in matters of political misdemeanors. 



464 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

And no wonder that he shrank in loathing abhorrence 
from the bloody guillotine, after his experience of the 
awful Reign of Terror. 

M. Cloquet says in his recollections of La Fayette, 
regarding his opinions on different subjects : — 

" He was familiar with all questions of morals, juris- 
prudence, policy, and public economy, and he could have 
treated them all ex j^rofesso. I have frequently heard 
him speak of the resources of France and other states ; 
of the relations which people and governments should 
have to each other ; of constitutions, legitimacy, prop- 
erty ; of commerce, industry, agriculture ; of the art of 
war, the progress of civilization, the happiness of nations 
and individuals ; and other questions which he treated in 
the most lucid manner, and which he solved with his 
natural good sense and simplicity." 

The Encyclopsedia Britannica thus sums up the char- 
acteristics of La Fayette : — 

"His life was beset with inconceivable responsibility 
and perils, for he was ever the minister of humanity and 
order among a frenzied people who had come to regard 
order and humanity as phases of treason. He rescued 
the queen from the murderous hands of the populace, 
not to speak of multitudes of humbler victims who had 
been devoted to death. He risked his life in many un- 
successful attempts to rescue others. He was obliged 
to witness the butchery of Foulon, and the reeking 
heart of Berthier torn from his lifeless body and held 
up in triumph before him. Disgusted with enormities 
which he was powerless to prevent and could not coun- 
tenance, he resigned his commission; but so impossi- 
ble was it to replace him that he was induced to resume 
it. 

"In the Constituent Assembly, of which he was a 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 465 

member, his influence was always felt in favor of repub- 
lican principles, for the abolition of arbitrary imprison- 
ment, for religious tolerance, for popular representation, 
for the establishment of trial by jury, for the gradual 
emancipation of slaves, for the freedom of the press, for 
the abolition of titles of nobility, and the suppression of 
privileged orders. 

"Few men have owed more of their success and use- 
fulness in the world to their family rank than La Fay- 
ette, and still fewer have abused it less. He never 
achieved distinction in the field, and his political career 
proved him to be incapable of ruling a great national 
movement ; but he had strong convictions which always 
impelled him to study the interests of humanity, and 
a pertinacity in maintaining them, which, in all the 
marvellous vicissitudes of his singularly eventful life, 
secured him a very unusual measure of public respect. 

" No citizen of a foreign country has ever had so many 
and such warm admirers in America, nor does any states- 
man in France appear to have ever possessed uninter- 
ruptedly for so many years so large a measure of popu- 
lar influence and respect. He had what Jefferson called 
a ^ canine appetite ' for popularity and fame, but in him 
the appetite only seemed- to make him more anxious to 
merit the fame which he enjoyed. He was brave even 
to rashness ; his life was one of constant personal peril, 
and yet he never shrank from any danger or responsibil- 
ity if he saw the way open to spare life or suffering, to 
protect the defenceless, to sustain the law and preserve 
order." 

Hon. Chauncey Depew thus concisely comments upon 
La Fayette's influence in France : — 

"While the principles of the American Kevolution 
were fermenting in France, La Fayette, the hero and 



466 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

• 
favorite of the hour, was an honored guest at royal 

tables and royal camps. The proud Spaniard and the 
Great Frederick of Germany alike welcomed him, and 
everywhere he announced his faith in government 
founded on the American idea. The financial crisis 
in the affairs of King Louis on the one hand, and the 
rising tide of the popular passion on the other, com- 
pelled the summons of the Assembly of Notables at Ver- 
sailles. All the great officers of state, the aristocracy, 
the titled clergy, the royal princes, were there, but no 
representative of the people. La Fayette spoke for 
them, and, fearless of the efforts of the brother of the 
king to put him down, he demanded religious toleration, 
equal taxes, just and equal administration of the laws, 
and the reduction of royal expenditures to fixed and 
reasonable limits. This overturned the whole feudal 
fabric which had been in course of construction for a 
thousand years. To make effectual and permanent this 
tremendous stride toward the American experiment, he 
paralyzed the court and cabinet by the call for a na- 
tional assembly — an assembly of the people. Through 
that assembly he carried a declaration of rights, founded 
upon the natural liberties of man, a concession of popu- 
lar privilege never before secured in the modern history 
of Europe ; and, going as far as he believed the times 
would admit 'toward his idea of an American republic, 
he builded upon the ruins of absolutism a constitutional 
monarchy. 

" But French democracy had not been trained and edu- 
cated in the schools of the Puritan or the colonist. Ages 
of tyranny, of suppression, repression, and torture had 
developed the tiger and dwarfed the man. Democracy 
had not learned the first rudiments of liberty, — self- 
restraint and self-government. It beheaded king and 



THE KNIGHT OB' LIBERTY. 467 

queen ; it drenched the land with the blood of the noblest 
and best; in its indiscriminate frenzy and madness it 
spared neither age nor sex, virtue nor merit, and drove 
its benefactor, because he denounced its excesses and 
tried to stem them, into exile and the dungeon of 01- 
miitz. Thus ended in the horrors of the French Bevolu- 
tion La Fayette's first fight for liberty at home. After 
five years of untold sufferings, spurning release at the 
price of his allegiance to monarchy, holding with sublime 
faith, amidst the most disheartening and discouraging- 
surroundings, to the principles of freedom for all, he was 
released by the sword of ISTapoleon Bonaparte, to find 
that the untamed ferocity of the Revolution had been 
trained to the service of the most brilliant, captivating, 
and resistless of military despotisms by the mighty ge- 
nius of the great Dictator. He only was neither dazzled 
nor dismayed, and when he had rejected every offer of 
recognition and honor, Napoleon said: ^La Fayette 
alone in France holds fast to his original ideas of lib- 
erty. Though tranquil now, he will reappear if occasion 
offers.' Against the first consulate of Bonaparte he 
voted, 'No, unless with guaranties of freedom.' When 
Europe lay helpless at the feet of the conqueror, and, in 
the frenzy of military glory, France neither saw nor felt 
the chains he was forging upon her. La Fayette, from his 
retirement of La Grange, plead with the Emperor for 
republican principles, holding up to him the retributions 
always meted out to tyrants, and the pure, undying fame 
of the immortal few who patriotically decide, when upon 
them alone rests the awful verdict, whether they shall be 
the enslavers or the saviors of their country. 

" The sun of Austerlitz set in blood at Waterloo. The 
swords of allied kings placed the Bourbon once more on 
the throne of France. In the popular tempest of July, 



468 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 

the nation rose against the intolerable tyranny of the 
king, and, calling upon this unfaltering friend of liberty^ 
said with one voice : ' You alone can sav^e France from 
despotism on the one hand, and the orgies of the Jacobin 
mob on the other ; take absolute power ; be marshal, gen- 
eral, dictator if you will.' But in assuming command of 
the National Guard, the old soldier and patriot answered^ 
amidst the hail of shot and shell, ' Liberty shall triumph, 
or we all perish together.' He dethroned and drove out 
Charles X., and France, contented with any destiny he 
might accord to her, with unquestioning faith left her 
future in his hands. He knew that the French people 
Avere not yet ready to take and faithfully keep American 
liberty. He believed that in the school of constitutional 
government they would rapidly learn, and, in the fulness 
of time adopt its principles, and he gave them a king 
who was the popular choice, and surrounded him with 
the restraints of charter and an assembly of the peo- 
ple." 

M. Francis Herve, editor of Madame Tussaud's " Me- 
moirs of the French Revolution," gives the following 
account of an interview with La Fayette : — 

" During an interesting conversation which took place 
at the apartments of the editor at Paris, a few months 
prior to the death of La Fayette, respecting the different 
forms of government, he observed that the approaches of 
liberty ought always to be very gradual, and not con- 
ferred at once upon those who had lived in a state of 
slavery under an arbitrary power, and without the benefit 
of education; which opinion was founded upon the 
long experience of a life which had been ever devoted to 
that subject. Although bent with age, the same phil- 
anthropy and energetic love of freedom glowed within 
him as that which characterized his youth, but tempered 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY, 469 

with maturer judgment ; hence, when the Revolution of 
the three days took place, and he was called upon as the 
arbiter of France respecting her government, he decided 
for monarchy, with liberal institutions ; but observed 
that, although a pledge was given for the promotion of 
the latter, yet it had never been redeemed ; and he sighed 
as he made that declaration." 

La Fayette passed his winters in Paris, and at all sea- 
sons of the year, when he was a member of the Chamber 
of Deputies, he resided in the city during the sessions. 
He there occupied a suite of apartments in a large hotel 
No. 6 Rue d'Anjou, St. Honore. 

La Fayette's occupations in Paris were extremely nu- 
merous. Besides his duties as a deputy, which he per- 
formed with scrupulous exactness, he was obliged to 
attend public meetings, committees, relief societies, boards 
of instruction, and constant social engagements. Not- 
withstanding his multifarious avocations he found time 
to devote to his domestic affairs and to his personal 
study. He was fond of society, and Avas a delightful 
and brilliant conversationalist. 

A political duel which terminated in the death of M. 
Dulong, one of La Fayette's fellow-deputies, Avas a severe 
blow to the marquis. NotAvithstanding his age, La 
Fayette folloAved the body of his friend to the grave on 
foot, and Avhen he returned home he Avas soon taken 
Adolently ill. Measures were taken Avhich gave him 
partial relief, but he never entirely rallied from this 
attack. His health became so much imju'OA^ed, hoAvever, 
that he Avas alloAved to receive the A^sits of his friends, 
Avho shoAved their sympathy and regard by the most con- 
stant attentions. 

But having been exposed to a scA^ere thunder-storm, 
La Fayette returned home Avet and exhausted, and Avas 



470 



THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE, 



obliged again to take to his bed. His symptoms from time 
to time became more alarmingybut in every interval of 
comparative freedom from the severity of his sufferings 
he was cheerful and hopeful. One morning, upon the 
arrival of his physician, La Fayette greeted him with a 
smile, and exclaimed: ''The Siciss Gazette has just 
killed me, and yet you knew nothing of the matter ! 
Nay, more: that I might die in due form, the cele- 
brated Doctor , whom I hardly know, has been con- 




La Fayette's Death Chamber. 



suited." He then handed the paper to the surgeon, sa}^- 
ing, "After that, believe the public journals if you 
can." The family of La Fayette were desirous of having 
a consultation of physicians about his case ; but upon 
consulting him, he said : " To what purpose ? Have I 
not entire confidence in you, and can any addition be 
made to the care which you take of me, and to the inter- 
est Avhich vou feel in my welfare ? " 



THE KNIGHT OF LIBERTY. 471 

One of his physicians replied : '■ We think we have 
done what is best in your case ; but were there only a 
single remedy that might escape us, it is our duty to 
seek it. We wish to restore you as soon as possible to 
health, for we are responsible for your situation towards 
your family, your friends, and the French nation, of 
whom you are the father." 

"Yes, their father," answered La Fayette, with a 
meaning smile, " on condition that they never follow a 
syllable of my advice." 

But his days upon earth were numbered. The valiant 
Knight of Liberty must forever sheathe his brave sword, 
and the clarion tones of his faithful voice would never 
again be heard in defence of the rights of his fellow- 
men. His last years were passed in peace crowned with 
the undying lustre of well-merited fame, and his self- 
sacrificing devotion in the cause of truth and liberty re- 
ceived its just remuneration in the adoring love of the 
people of two continents, united by his patriotic zeal in a 
brotherhood sworn to defend the glorious rights of free- 
dom and humanit3\ Few men have been so universally 
idolized and so universally respected. His glory did 
not blaze with the dazzling brilliancy of Napoleon's fame, 
nor can it be said to have equalled that of Washington ; 
but in some respects his career is unparalleled in history ; 
and as the champion of human liberty, irrespective of 
any clime and any color, unbiassed by any influence of 
rank, or wealth, or power ; true as the magnet to the 
pole, in his stanch adherence to his avowed principles. 
La Fayette stands alone in the annals of the world as 
the chivalrous Knight of Liberty, wearing the colors of 
the goddess of freedojn and waving his sword in daunt- 
less defiance against the despotisms of the nations. 

On the 20th of May, 1834, as the first blush of dawn 



472 THE LIFE OF LA FAYETTE. 

• 
was seen in the east, and the black curtains of the night 
were lifted, and the promise of a new day glowed in the 
distant horizon ; as the birds chanted their morning 
matins of praise, and the earth, thrilled by the touch of 
nature, aAvoke to renewed beauty, — the vail which shrouds 
the unknown beyond was parted by unseen lingers, and 
the soul of La Fayette was wafted by ministering spirits 
into the presence of the Almighty Monarch of heaven 
and earth, whose Word had gone forth to all the world, 
" Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." 

In the quiet Picpus Cemetery, in France, in a small 
enclosure, the green grass is growing over the headless 
trunks of more than one thousand illustrious victims 
guillotined at the Barri^re du Tr6ne, during the Eeign of 
Terror, and throAvn together in this common grave, called 
the Cimeti^re des Guillotines, ^ear by this memorable 
spot is La Fayette's tomb, and by his side sleeps his 
heroic wife. No grand monument rears its stately head 
over their remains ; nor is it needed. In letters of gold 
are inscribed upon the black marble tablet, which marks 
the last resting-place of Liberty's Knight, the appropri- 
ate motto: "Requiescat IX Pace." 

As the blackness of the marble is illumined by the 
gleaming letters of golden light, pronouncing a benedic- 
tion upon the illustrious sleejoer beneath, they become 
the symbol of the shining example of his self-sacrificing- 
life, consecrated to the holy endeavor of dispelling the 
black shadows of oppression, that Liberty's luminous 
light might flood the world with refulgent splendor. 

La Fayette ! Liberty ! and Law I are the three 
shining words written upon the page of history by this- 
heroic life. 




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